Indian Oak (hijal) a medium-sized evergreen tree, Barringtonia acutangula of the family Lecythidaceae, with large leathery leaves. Flowers are beautiful and located at the ends of branches. Fruits are 4-angled. The tree grows mainly in low-lying areas throughout Bangladesh.

The wood is pinkish to reddish grey, moderately strong, soft and durable. It is used for constructing, after wells cabinet work, boat building, furniture, inner fittings of railway carriages and carts. The bark and fruits are astringent and are used medicinally for diarrhoea and nasal infections. Seeds are aromatic and emetic. [Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman]