The
fruit lantern-shaped,can survive drifting on the sea for long
distances and for periods of up to 2 years.
Flowers: Night-blooming flowers appear on a long spike from the
centre of a leaf group.they attract large Atlas moths and
nectar-feeding bats with their heavy scent. .
All parts of the tree contain, saponin, poison.
The seeds and other parts of the plant are pounded, to release the
poison and used to stun fish in freshwater streams.
The floating seeds are sometimes used as fishing floats.
Traditional medicinal uses: The heated leaves are used to treat
stomach ache
and rheumatism ;seeds are used to get rid of intestinal worms. |