Alafia lucida
Appearance
Alafia lucida | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Apocynaceae |
Genus: | Alafia |
Species: | A. lucida
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Binomial name | |
Alafia lucida | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Alafia lucida is a plant in the family Apocynaceae.
Description
[edit]Alafia lucida grows as a liana up to 45 metres (150 ft) long, with a stem diameter of up to 18 centimetres (7 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a yellow or cream corolla, dark red at the throat. The fruit is dark brown with paired cylindrical follicles, each up to 75 centimetres (30 in) in diameter.[2]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Alafia lucida is native to an area of tropical Africa from Liberia east to Tanzania.[1] Its habitat is forests, from sea level to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) altitude.[2]
Uses
[edit]Local traditional medicinal uses of Alafia lucida include as a treatment for jaundice, eye problems and stomach complaints. The plant has been used as arrow poison.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Alafia lucida". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
- ^ a b c Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. pp. 52–53. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.