Urceola micrantha

Urceola micrantha 14060325

Urceola micrantha is a species of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family, which is native to parts of Southeast Asia. This plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine systems across the region. The species is characterized by its vine-like growth habit, small flowers, and the production of latex, which has been utilized for various purposes.

Description

Urceola micrantha is a liana or climbing shrub, which uses other vegetation for support as it grows. The leaves of the plant are simple, broad, and often have a glossy appearance. The flowers are small, with a pale coloration, typically white or yellowish, and are followed by fruit that is a type of drupe. The plant is also notable for its latex-producing capabilities, with the latex being extracted from the bark.

Distribution and Habitat

Urceola micrantha is found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It thrives in humid, tropical climates and is often found in secondary forests, at the edges of forests, or in areas that have been cleared for agriculture but have since been abandoned.

Uses

The latex of Urceola micrantha has been traditionally used for making birdlime and as a natural adhesive. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant, including the latex, leaves, and roots, have been used to treat a range of ailments. These include wound healing, treatment of fever, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, scientific research into the efficacy and safety of these traditional uses is limited.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Urceola micrantha has not been extensively studied, and it is not listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, like many species native to tropical forests, it may be susceptible to habitat loss due to deforestation and land-use change in its native range.

See Also

• Apocynaceae
• Traditional medicine
• Deforestation