Strophanthus gratus


Strophanthus gratus is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae.

Description

Strophanthus gratus is a woody liana that can grow up to, with a trunk diameter of up to. Its fragrant flowers feature a white corolla, topped by red or purple colour, with pink corona lobes.

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.

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.