False mango tree

Cerbera manghas is a tree with latex of the family of the Apocynaceae .

Description

Aspect

Small evergreen tree which can reach 6 to 8 meters height.

Sheets

Alternate from 15 to 30 cm length. Oblong, ovoid.

Fruits

Drupes from 5 to 10 cm in diameter to fibrous pulp containing 1 or 2 very toxic seeds.

Surface of distribution

Africa: Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Tanzania
Asia: Southeast Asia, China, Japan, islands of the Peaceful
Australia

Use

This tree produces a very toxic nut called “tanguin”. The Madagascans formerly used it like Poison of test of Ordalie, to determine the culpability or the innocence of marked people of Sorcellerie.

Synonyms

Cerbera tanghin Hook.
Cerbera will venenifera (Poir.) Steud.

External bonds

Tanguin: directions for use

Random links: