Pycnobotrya

Pycnobotrya is a monotypic genus of plant in the family Apocynaceae found in tropical Africa.[1] As of August 2013 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]

References

  1. "Pycnobotrya", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013
  2. "Pycnobotrya nitida". The Plant List. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  3. Search for "Pycnobotrya", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013
  4. Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. p. 479. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.
  5. Search for "Pycnobotrya nitida", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013


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