Tabernaemontana ventricosa
Hochst. ex A. DC.
Forest toad tree.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) graham_g, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Johan Bodenstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Johan Bodenstein
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Peter Vos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Peter Vos
Summary
Source: WikipediaTabernaemontana ventricosa, commonly known as forest toad-tree or small-fruited toad-tree, is a tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae. It is native to Africa.
Description
A tree. It grows 4-8 m tall but can be 15 m tall. The trunk is slender and straight. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown. The branches are low down. The flowers are white and have a sweet smell. The fruit are pods and usually there are 2 joined at the base. They are dark green and smooth. They spit open to reveal and fleshy orange pulp.
Edible Uses
The pulp of ripe fruits is eaten.
Traditional Uses
The pulp of the ripe fruit is eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Tabernaemontana ventricosa is locally used in the treatment of wounds, fever and hypertension. The fruit is edible. The wood is locally used in planks.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows as an under-storey plant in the forest.
Where It Grows
Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Other Uses
A latex is obtained from the tree. It contains 12 - 20% rubber and 34 - 50% resin. The soft whitish wood is used for making stools, beds and knife sheaths and in construction. The wood is yellow and very hard.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Bospaddaboom, Muchenga
References (3)
- Bruschi, P., et al, 2014, Traditional use of plants in a rural community of Mozambique and possible links with Miombo degradation and harvesting sustainability. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 2014, 10:59
- Planz Africa.com
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
