Strophanthus gratus is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae.
| Strophanthus gratus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Strophanthus |
| Species: | S. gratus
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| Binomial name | |
| Strophanthus gratus | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
editStrophanthus 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
editStrophanthus 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
editStrophanthus 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
edit
- ^ a b c
"Strophanthus gratus". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- ^ a b "Strophanthus gratus". eFloras. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
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