Achariaceae - Botanical Family

Hydnocarpus anthelminticus is a medium-sized tropical tree recognized for its dense canopy, leathery leaves, and round woody fruits typical of the genus Hydnocarpus.

What makes Hydnocarpus anthelminticus distinctive?

Hydnocarpus anthelminticus develops as an upright tree with smooth to slightly fissured bark and broad, firm leaves that create a full, even canopy in consistently warm climates. Its small, pale flowers appear on branchlets and develop into hard spherical fruits containing seeds once historically valued for industrial extraction but not used in ornamental horticulture for this purpose. The species thrives in deep, well-drained soil with regular moisture and filtered to full sun exposure, maintaining steady growth in humid lowland settings. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 11, it remains evergreen and tolerant of seasonal rains, making it a potential structural element in tropical plantings where a sturdy mid-sized tree with clean form and reliable foliage is desired.

African shrub or small multi-stemmed tree growing in the sandveld and widely distributed throughout the eastern parts of Southern Africa. Flowers are white with a dense central cluster of yellow anthers and resembling a small white rose. The pulp around the seeds is relished by birds.