Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree, Shrub |
| Maximum Height | 15 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | East and Southeastern Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a shrub or small tree, up to 15 m tall. Bark is pale brown, corky and deeply fissured. Injured parts produce white latex. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are leathery, elliptic (6 - 23 cm long and 2-8 cm wide) and in opposite arrangement. Leaves have cuneate or decurrent base and acuminate or acute apex. There are 12 - 23 pairs of secondary veins which curve up near the margin. Ocrea widened into stipules in axils of petioles. Petiole is 0.7 – 3.0 cm long. |
| Flowers | Inflorescence is a corymbs (5 – 20 cm long) and sweetly scented. Flower is trumpet shaped (0.5 – 0.7 cm long) and has 5 creamy white petals. Each flower comprises of protruding stamens, triangular anthers, and fused style and superior ovary. |
| Fruit | Fruit occurs as 2 obliquely ovoid follicles, each about 5 – 8 cm long. Follicle is mostly green and covered in brown warts, resembling toad’s skin. Follicles split open at maturity to reveal many seeds within. Seeds are obliquely ellipsoid (1.4 – 1.5 mm long), with orange arils. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: The seeds, stem bark and roots of Tabernaemontana elegans are used by the Wabondei and Wadigo people of Tanzania to treat heart complication. In southern Africa the latex or root powder is mixed with Vaseline, and applied to wound to stop bleeding. In Zimbabwe a root decoction is taken as an aphrodisiac. The wood is used to make spoons, bows and arrows, building poles and knife handles. The latex is harvested to make birdlime and glue for arrow heads. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33632 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8046 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
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