Biology:Strophanthus preussii

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Short description: Species of plant

Strophanthus preussii
Strophanthus preussii (25433002894).jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Strophanthus
Species:
S. preussii
Binomial name
Strophanthus preussii
Engl. & Pax[2]
Synonyms[2]
  • Strophanthus bracteatus Franch.

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

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]

Gallery

References

Wikidata ☰ Q13955253 entry