Biology:Amorphophallus dracontioides

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Short description: Species of plant

Amorphophallus dracontioides
A speckled green and maroon hood-like structure within which lies a maroon ovoid
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Amorphophallus
Species:
A. dracontioides
Binomial name
Amorphophallus dracontioides
N.E.Br.

Amorphophallus dracontioides or the Dragons Football is a species of plant in the genus Amorphophallus ranging from Ghana to Nigeria.[1][2]

Description

This species appears as a large, fleshy stemless plant with a magenta/olive overall coloration. It has small olive speckling and a consistently ridged interior.[1][2][3]

Medicinal use

This species's root has been used medicinally for hemorrhoids, and breaking down venomous stings/bites.[1]

Toxins

The plant's sap contains saponins and potential steroids and therefore is mildly toxic. Aboriginal people within the range of this plant use these toxins as arrow poison. The root is believed magic.[1]

Famine food

This species has been used within Nigeria as a food of famine. Because this species is toxic it must be boiled for two days to neutralize the toxins.[4]

Common Names

There are countless common names for Amorphophallus dracontioides including:

Dragons Football[5]

The Hyena's Penis Plant[6]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q15315093 entry