Ironwood, Tembusu

Fagraea fragrans

Physical Characteristics

Fagraea fragrans is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects, Birds, Bats. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Indo-China, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea.

Habitats

Edible Uses

The root may be edible.

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Dysentery Febrifuge Malaria A decoction of the bark is used as a febrifuge to treat conditions such as malaria[ 303 , 451 , 598 ]. A decoction of twigs and leaves is used to control dysentery and severe diarrhoea[ 303 , 598 ].

Known Hazards

Skin rashes may develop when handling green logs with bark on[ 316 ].