Hura crepitans L.
Sandbox tree
Fast-growing tree, semi-deciduous grow up to 30-50 m tall, 1-2 m in diameters Flowers monoecious, male red flowers with no petals borne on a spike inflorescence about 5 cm long, female reddish brown, solitary and leaf axils Fruit is a dehiscent pumpkin-shaped capsule about 3 - 5 cm long and 5 - 8 cm wide, turns to reddish-brown when ripen, contains flattened seeds about 2 cm wide
Soil: prefers wet soil, sandy or clay soils
Ornamental plant. The wood is used for furniture under the name "hura". Before more modern forms of pens were invented, the trees' unripe seed capsules were sawn in half to make decorative pen sandboxes (also called pounce pots), hence the name 'sandbox tree'
Hura brasiliensis Willd, Hura senegalensis Baill
.The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and Mazhar Botanic Garden does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.