Strophanthus gratus is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae.

Description

Strophanthus gratus is a woody liana that can grow up to 25 metres (80 ft), with a trunk diameter of up to 10 centimetres (4 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a white corolla, topped by red or purple colour, with pink corona lobes.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Strophanthus gratus is native to tropical Africa: from Senegal in the west, east and south to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is naturalized in Taiwan and also Trinidad and Tobago.[1]

Uses

Strophanthus gratus has been used in local traditional medicine: ouabain derived from the plant's seeds is used as a treatment for heart failure. It has also been used as arrow poison.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Strophanthus gratus". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Strophanthus gratus". eFloras. Retrieved 11 July 2013.