Voacanga thouarsii

Voacanga thouarsii-flower-1

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Voacanga thouarsii
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
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Genus	Voacanga
Species	V. thouarsii
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Voacanga thouarsii Roem. & Schult.

Voacanga thouarsii is a species of plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and Madagascar. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes.

Description

Voacanga thouarsii is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and elliptical in shape. The flowers are white or yellowish and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a large, woody capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Habitat

This species is typically found in lowland tropical forests, often near rivers and streams. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade.

Uses

Traditional Medicine

Voacanga thouarsii has been used in traditional African medicine for its various therapeutic properties. The bark, leaves, and seeds are used to treat a range of ailments including malaria, diarrhea, and skin infections. The plant contains several alkaloids that are believed to have medicinal properties.

Psychoactive Properties

The seeds of Voacanga thouarsii contain alkaloids that have psychoactive effects. These seeds have been used in traditional rituals and for their stimulant properties.

Chemical Constituents

The plant contains several important alkaloids, including voacangine and voacamine. These compounds are of interest for their potential pharmacological effects.

Conservation Status

Voacanga thouarsii is not currently listed as endangered, but habitat destruction and overharvesting for medicinal use could pose future threats to its population.

Related Species

• Voacanga africana
• Voacanga grandifolia

See Also

• Apocynaceae
• Traditional African medicine
• Psychoactive plants