POISON ROPE FLOWER

Strophanthus is a genus of 35-40 species of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae, native mainly to tropical Africa, extending to South Africa, with a few species in Asia, from southern India to the Philippines and southern China. The name (strophos anthos, "twisted cord flower") derives from the long twisted threadlike segments of the corolla, which in one species (S. preussii) attain a length of 30–35 cm.The genus includes vines, shrubs and small trees. The leaves are opposite or whorled, simple broad lanceolate, 2–20 cm long, with an entire margin.Several of the African tribes used Strophanthus as the principal ingredient in arrow poison.

Strophanthus speciosus shown here, is also known as Poison Rope. It is native to southern Africa. As the common name poison rope suggests it contains toxic compounds. These are in the form of cardiac glycosides, similar to those found in Digitalis. Native hunters in Africa used preparations made from the seeds as a virulent arrow poison.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.