Acokanthera schimperi
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Acokanthera schimperi, arrow poison tree, belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is a small tree native to eastern and central Africa as well as to Yemen.
| Acokanthera schimperi | |
|---|---|
| |
| Acokanthera schimperi[1] | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Acokanthera |
| Species: | A. schimperi |
| Binomial name | |
| Acokanthera schimperi | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Uses
The bark, wood and roots of Acokanthera schimperi are used as an important ingredient of arrow poison in Africa. All plant parts contain acovenoside A and ouabaïne, which are cardiotonic glycosides. Its fruit is edible, and is eaten as a famine food. When ripe they are sweet but also slightly bitter. Unripe fruits have caused accidental poisoning as they are highly toxic.[3]
The maned rat spreads the plant's poison on its fur and becomes poisonous.[4]
It is also used in traditional African medicine.[5] In Ethiopia, for example, Acokanthera schimperi leaves have been traditionally used for jaundice.[6]