Pycnobotrya
Genus of plants
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pycnobotrya is a monotypic genus of plant in the family Apocynaceae found in tropical Africa.[1] As of August 2013[update] the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families recognises the single species Pycnobotrya nitida.[3]
| Pycnobotrya | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Subfamily: | Rauvolfioideae |
| Tribe: | Melodineae |
| Genus: | Pycnobotrya Benth.[1] |
| Species: | P. nitida |
| Binomial name | |
| Pycnobotrya nitida | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Pycnobotrya nitida grows as a liana up to 40 metres (130 ft) long, with a stem diameter of up to 12 centimetres (4.7 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a dark pink corolla, sometimes with pale yellow throat. Fruit consists of paired follicles, each up to 7 centimetres (2.8 in) long. Habitat is forest, often on river banks. Local medicinal uses include as a treatment for chest infections, haematuria, diarrhoea, dysentery and bronchitis.[4] P. nitida is found in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.[5]
