Alstonia

Alstonia scholaris

Alstonia is a genus of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family, which is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. The genus was named after Charles Alston (1685–1760), a professor of botany at Edinburgh University. Alstonia species are known for their diverse uses in traditional medicine and for the extraction of alkaloids, which have been studied for their potential pharmaceutical applications.

Description

Alstonia species are evergreen trees or shrubs characterized by their milky sap, simple leaves arranged in whorls, and small, tubular flowers that are often fragrant. The flowers are typically arranged in inflorescences and can vary in color from white to greenish or yellowish. The fruit of Alstonia is a pair of follicles that contain numerous seeds with tufts of hair, aiding in wind dispersal.

Distribution and Habitat

Alstonia is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. These plants are adaptable to a variety of habitats, from coastal areas and lowland rainforests to montane forests.

Uses

Several species of Alstonia are used in traditional medicine across their range. For example, Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as the devil's tree or dita bark, is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its supposed health benefits, including antimalarial and antipyretic properties. The bark of Alstonia scholaris and other species contains alkaloids such as echitamine, which has been studied for its potential in treating malaria.

In addition to medicinal uses, Alstonia wood is valued for its lightness and durability, making it suitable for construction, boat building, and the manufacture of musical instruments and other items.

Conservation

The conservation status of Alstonia species varies widely. While some species are common and have no immediate threats, others are considered endangered due to habitat loss, overexploitation, and other environmental pressures. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of vulnerable and endangered Alstonia species, particularly those with restricted distributions and those heavily exploited for medicinal or commercial purposes.

Selected Species

• Alstonia scholaris (Devil's tree)
• Alstonia boonei (African whitewood)
• Alstonia constricta (Quinine tree)
• Alstonia angustiloba (Malayan Alstonia)

See Also

• Apocynaceae
• Medicinal plants
• Conservation status