Strophanthus petersianus
Taxonavigation
[edit]Taxonavigation: Gentianales |
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Classification System: APG IV
Superregnum: Eukaryota |
Familia: Apocynaceae
Subfamilia: Apocynoideae
Tribus: Nerieae
Subtribus: Alafiinae
Genus: Strophanthus
Species: Strophanthus petersianus
Name
[edit]Strophanthus petersianus Klotzsch The name 'petersianus' is after Wilhelm Carl Hartwig Peter (1815-1883), a German Zoologist who collected plants and animals in Mozambique (1843-1847).
References
[edit]- W. C. H. Peters, Naturw. Reise Mossambique 6(1):276. 1861
- USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. Strophanthus petersianus in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. Accessed: 07-Oct-06.
Folklore & Cultural Significance
[edit]S. petersianus has been known to be used as a toxin for poison arrows by native tribes and in South Africa, the traditional Zulu people of current Kwa-Zulu Natal used it as a charm against evil.
Distinguishing Characteristics
[edit]Beautiful wildflowers bloom between October to January (The South African populations). The species is whitish in the inside and red to purple on the outside with 90-205mm elegant long tails dangling off the petals. Flower corolla tube cup-shaped. Leaves opposite with conspicuous venation.
Vernacular names
[edit]English: Sand forest poison rope
isiZulu: Ubuhlungunbendlovu