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Strophanthus petersianus

From Wikispecies

Taxonavigation

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Taxonavigation: Gentianales 
Classification System: APG IV

Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiosperms
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: Core eudicots
Cladus: Asterids
Cladus: Lamiids
Ordo: Gentianales

Familia: Apocynaceae
Subfamilia: Apocynoideae
Tribus: Nerieae
Subtribus: Alafiinae
Genus: Strophanthus
Species: Strophanthus petersianus

Name

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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

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Folklore & Cultural Significance

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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

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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

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Afrikaans: kunkstamgiftou
English: Sand forest poison rope
isiZulu: Ubuhlungunbendlovu