Voacanga thouarsii
| Voacanga thouarsii | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Voacanga |
| Species: | V. thouarsii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Voacanga thouarsii | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Voacanga thouarsii, the wild frangipani,[3] is a species of small tree in the family Apocynaceae.
Description
Voacanga thouarsii grows as a small tree up to 20 m (70 ft) high, with a trunk diameter of up to 80 cm (30 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a pale green, creamy or white corolla. The fruit is dark green, spotted with paired follicles, each up to 10 cm (4 in) long.[4]
Distribution and habitat
Voacanga thouarsii grows natively in tropical and southern Africa and in Madagascar.[3] Its habitat is forest and savanna from sea level to 600 m (2,000 ft) altitude.[4]
Conservation
Voacanga thouarsii has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is threatened by activities including logging, mining and conversion of land for livestock and crops. However, the species is present in protected areas including numerous national parks in Madagascar; Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa.[1]
Uses
Local medicinal uses of Voacanga thouarsii include as a treatment for wounds, sores, gonorrhoea, eczema, heart problems, hypertension, rheumatism, stomach-ache and snakebite.[4]
Alkaloids
Voacangine, ibogaine, voacamine, vobtusine, voacristine, iboluteine, vobasine, 18′-decarbomethoxyvoacamine and voaluteine are shown to be present in the crude extract from the bark of Voacanga thouarsii var. obtusa.[5]
References
- ^ a b Andriamanohera, A.M. (2021). "Voacanga thouarsii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021 e.T165444858A165444900. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T165444858A165444900.en. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Voacanga thouarsii". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
- ^ a b c Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. pp. 627–629. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.
- ^ Goldblatt, A., Hootele, C., Pecher, J. (June 1970). "The alkaloids of Voacanga thouarsii var. obtusa". Phytochemistry. 9 (6): 1293–1298. doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(00)85321-2.