Strophanthus preussii

Strophanthus preussii, the Preuss' strophanthus,[3] is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae.

Strophanthus preussii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Strophanthus
Species:
S. preussii
Binomial name
Strophanthus preussii
Synonyms[2]
  • Strophanthus bracteatus Franch.

Description

Strophanthus preussii grows as an evergreen liana up to 12 metres (39 ft) long or a shrub up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall, with a stem diameter up to 2.5 centimetres (1 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a white to orange corolla, red-striped or spotted on the inside. Corollas have very long tails. Other vernacular names for the plant include "spider tresses" and "poison arrow vine".[4]

Distribution and habitat

Strophanthus preussii is native to west and central tropical Africa.[2][4] Its habitat is forested areas from sea level to 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) altitude.[4]

Uses

Traditional medicinal uses of Strophanthus preussii include treatment of gonorrhoea and healing of sores. The plant has also been used as arrow poison.[4]

References
  1. Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2018). "Strophanthus preussii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T147042787A147042789. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  2. "Strophanthus preussii". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  3. "Strophanthus preussii". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  4. Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. pp. 555–557. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.


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