Strophanthus sarmentosus

Strophanthus sarmentosus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Strophanthus
Species: S. sarmentosus
Binomial name
Strophanthus sarmentosus
DC.

Strophanthus sarmentosus grows as either a deciduous shrub or as a liana up to 40 metres (130 ft) long, with a stem diameter up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a white to purple corolla, red or purple-streaked on the inside. Vernacular names for the plant include "spider tresses" and "poison arrow vine". Habitats are forested areas from sea level to 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) altitude. The numerous local medicinal uses of S. sarmentosus include treatment of joint pain, head lice, eye conditions and venereal disease. The plant has also been used as arrow poison.[1] S. sarmentosus is native to Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Angola.[1][2]

References

  1. 1 2 Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. pp. 557–559. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.
  2. "Strophanthus sarmentosus". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
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