Goniothalamus

Goniothalamus is one of the largest palaeotropical genera of plant in family Annonaceae. It is believed by the Iban people that when burnt it repels mosquitoes because of its strong scent and thick smoke it creates. It is also believed to repel evil spirits, it is mostly burned during the night and on days where it is both hot and rainy. It contains the following species (divided according to Floristic Region): Fijian Region (Fiji and New Hebrides) Indian Region (India and Sri Lanka) Indochinese Region (South China extending into North Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar) Malesian Region (Malaysia, Borneo, New Guinea, Sumatra, Philippines) Neocaledonian Region (New Caledonia)