Barringtonia ACUTANGULA

Barringtonia ACUTANGULA - Freshwater mangrove, Indian oak, Indian putat, Itchy tree.

Barringtonia is a genus of trees and shrubs in the family Lecythidaceae. The native range of the species spans Africa and Asia.

Trees or shrubs with small, early-deciduous stipules. Leaf blades are entire or crenate-serrate along the margin. Inflorescences are terminal or lateral, erect or pendulous racemes or spikes. Receptacles are obconic, 4-angled or 4-winged. Calyx has 4-5 persistent imbricate lobes. Petals number 4, the lower ones connate into a shallow tube. Stamens are numerous, in 3-8 whorls, shortly connate. Fruits are sometimes angled or winged.

Freshwater mangrove is a large tree growing up to 8-15 m (26-49 ft) in height. Leaves are thick, smooth, oval-shaped, about 8-12 cm (3.1-4.7 in) long and 4-5 cm (1.6-2 in) wide, with reddish petioles about 0.5-1.0 cm (0.2-0.4 in) long. The plant has drooping racemes up to 50 cm (20 in) long, with numerous large white flowers. The fruit is oval in shape, about 3 cm (1.2 in) long, with a single seed inside.

The seeds must be soaked for 24 hours in water with a growth stimulant. Sow in a mixture of leaf mold and sand, pressing slightly into the soil. Cover with glass or film. The temperature should not drop below 25 °C (77 °F); the mini-greenhouse must be ventilated and the seeds misted. Providing bottom heat will help the seeds germinate faster. Sprouts will appear in about three weeks, but they should be potted up only after three to four leaves emerge.

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Diffused lighting is required; direct sunlight should be avoided. In summer, the plant can be moved to a balcony. In winter, the temperature drops to 15 °C (59 °F). In hot weather, frequent leaf misting and generous watering are needed. During the dormant period, watering is kept to a minimum. From spring to autumn, it is fed with complete fertilizers for flowering plants. It tolerates pruning well, allowing one to train a bonsai of the desired height. The plant begins flowering at three years of age; if the dormant period is observed, the blooming will be especially beautiful.