Siam Villa Garden: Trumpet Tree

Dolichandrone serrulata (DC.) Seem flowers are widely used as vegetables in northern and eastern Thailand. Biological studies of the methanolic extract of these flowers have shown promising antioxidant activity. Biological-guided separation of D. serrulata flowers yielded six compounds, identified as hallerone, protocatechuic acid, rengyolone, cleroindicin B, ixoside, and isomaltose. This is the first report on hallerone, protocatechuic acid, rengyolone, cleroindicin B, and isomaltose in D. serrulata. Protocatechuic acid was the most potent scavenger of 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals with IC50 values of 25.6 +/- 0.6 and 29.6 +/- 0.4 microM, respectively. Hallerone and rengyolone showed moderate scavenging action on superoxide radicals and inhibited H202 induced reactive oxygen species production in HEK-293 cell. In addition, the other isolated compounds showed weak activity.

Dolichandrone spathacea is an attractive, evergreen tree with intensely fragrant flowers, growing up to 20 metres tall with a bole up to 40cm in diameter.

The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, valed especially for its fragrant, showy flowers.

Although Dolichandrone spathacea is widespread, it is uncommon in many parts of its range. It is threatened by the loss of mangrove habitat throughout its range, primarily due to extraction and coastal development.

Cultivation

Succeeds in full sun and partial shade. Usually found on sandy to muddy soils in the wild, rarely on limestone, but in cultivation it tolerates a wide range of soils. Although its natural habitat is swamps, it can adapt to drier sites. Plants are tolerant of salt-laden winds.

The showy and fragrant flowers are very short-lived, opening at dusk and falling off the tree at sunrise. The bruised leaves have an aromatic but disagreeable aroma. The seeds are covered by a corky coating, they float and are dispersed by seawater.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are used in the treatment of thrush.

The seeds, combined with ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Pavetta root (Pavetta indica) are administered in spasmodic affections.