Pycnobotrya

Pycnobotrya
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Pycnobotrya
Benth.[1]
Species: P. nitida
Binomial name
Pycnobotrya nitida
Benth.
Synonyms[2]

Pycnobotrya is a monotypic genus of plant in the Apocynaceae family found in tropical Africa.[1] As of August 2013 the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families recognises the single species Pycnobotrya nitida.[3]

Pycnobotrya nitida grows as a liana up to 40 metres (130 ft) long, with a stem diameter of up to 12 centimetres (4.7 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a dark pink corolla, sometimes with pale yellow throat. Fruit consists of paired follicles, each up to 7 centimetres (2.8 in) long. Habitat is forest, often on river banks. Local medicinal uses include as a treatment for chest infections, haematuria, diarrhoea, dysentery and bronchitis.[4] P. nitida is found in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 "Pycnobotrya", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013
  2. ↑ "Pycnobotrya nitida". The Plant List. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  3. ↑ Search for "Pycnobotrya", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013
  4. ↑ Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. p. 479. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.
  5. ↑ Search for "Pycnobotrya nitida", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013


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