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Tabernaemontana coffeoides

Bojer ex A. DC.

Apocynaceae Edible: Bark - flavouring, Medicine 38 iNaturalist observations

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(c) David Rabehevitra, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by David Rabehevitra

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(c) miraille, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by miraille

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(c) feno, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by feno

Tabernaemontana coffeoides is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It grows as a shrub or small tree up to 10 m (30 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm (8 in). Its fragrant flowers feature white corolla lobes. Its habitat is on dunes or on rocks in dry forest, bush or savanna from sea level to 1,300 m (4,300 ft) altitude. Local medicinal uses include for weight loss and to combat fatigue. Tabernaemontana coffeoides is native to the Comoros and Madagascar. It is rich in pharmacologically interesting indole alkaloids.

Description

A tropical shrub or small tree reaching 7 m tall with a trunk up to 10 cm across, found in savannahs and montane regions up to 1,300 m elevation.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The bitter bark is added to alcoholic beverages, some of which are used during circumcision rituals.

Traditional Uses

The bark is chewed and also used in alcoholic drinks.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The bark is used in traditional medicine and also prepared in alcoholic drinks.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It can grow in savannah and up to 1,300 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Africa, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles,

Cultivation

The plant can flower and produce fruit all year round.

Other Uses

The bark was formerly used to make string for cloth. The leaves and fruits are used to curdle the latex of rubber plants. In Mayotte, branched twigs were formerly used as an oil-lamp support. The wood is used for fuel.

Synonyms

Conopharyngia coffeoides (Bojer ex A. DC.) Summerh.Hazunta coffeoides (Bojer ex A. DC.) Pichonand several others

References (2)

  • Ferns, Useful Tropical Plants.
  • World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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