Strophanthus petersianus

Taxonavigation

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

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

• 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

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

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

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