Strophanthus preussii

Strophanthus preussii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Strophanthus
Species:
S. preussii
Binomial name
Strophanthus preussii
Synonyms[2]
  • Strophanthus bracteatus Franch.

Strophanthus preussii, the Preuss' strophanthus,[3] is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae.

Description

Strophanthus preussii grows as an evergreen liana up to 12 m (40 ft) long or a shrub up to 5 m (16 ft) tall, with a stem diameter up to 2.5 cm (1 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a white to orange corolla, red-striped or spotted on the inside. The corollas have very long tails up to 30 cm (12 in) long.[4] Other vernacular names for the plant include "spider tresses" and "poison arrow vine".[5]

Distribution and habitat

Strophanthus preussii is native to a wide area of tropical Africa, from Guinea in the west, east to Tanzania and south to Angola.[1] Its habitat is forested areas from sea level to 1,400 m (4,600 ft) altitude.[5]

Conservation

Strophanthus preussii has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. The species is broadly distributed and is not currently facing any major threats.[1]

Uses

Traditional medicinal uses of Strophanthus preussii include treatment of gonorrhoea and healing of sores. The plant has also been used as arrow poison.[5]

References

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  1. 1 2 3 Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2025) [amended version of 2019 assessment]. "Strophanthus preussii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2025 e.T147042787A273890937. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS.T147042787A273890937.en. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Strophanthus preussii Engl. & Pax". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  3. ↑ NRCS. "Strophanthus preussii". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  4. ↑ Everard, Barbara; Morley, Brian D. (1970). Wild Flowers of the World. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. p. Plate 61.
  5. 1 2 3 Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. pp. 555–557. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.
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