Alafia lucida

Alafia lucida is a plant in the family Apocynaceae.

Alafia lucida
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Alafia
Species:
A. lucida
Binomial name
Alafia lucida
Synonyms[1]
  • Alafia cuneata Stapf
  • Alafia major Stapf
  • Alafia reticulata K.Schum
  • Wrightia stuhlmannii K.Schum

Description

Alafia lucida grows as a liana up to 45 metres (150 ft) long, with a stem diameter of up to 18 centimetres (7 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a yellow or cream corolla, dark red at the throat. The fruit is dark brown with paired cylindrical follicles, each up to 75 centimetres (30 in) in diameter.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Alafia lucida is native to an area of tropical Africa from Liberia east to Tanzania.[1] Its habitat is forests, from sea level to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) altitude.[2]

Uses

Local traditional medicinal uses of Alafia lucida include as a treatment for jaundice, eye problems and stomach complaints. The plant has been used as arrow poison.[2]

References
  1. "Alafia lucida". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  2. Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. pp. 52–53. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.


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