44. Craspidospermum verticillatum Bojer ex Decne
Gentianales > Apocynaceae > Craspidospermum
Publication: Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis 8: 323–324. 1844.
Local names: Ampelafano, Andrangihy, Faria, Hazombato, Hazontahintsy, Maharavolona, Maroavolana, Nantoboraka, Pitsikahitra, Sisikandrongo, Vandrika.
IUCN Red List: LC ver 3.1
Year published: 2020
Belongs the monotypic genus; Subfamily: Rauvolfioideae; Tribe: Melodineae.
Tree up to 20 m tall or rarely shrub. Leaves verticillate, clustered towards the tops of stems. Inflorescences terminal, corymbiforms. Capsular fruits, oblong, smooth. Seeds albuminous, winged all around the edge by flat and fringed emergences.
Phylogenetically, C. verticillatum is related to two species of the genus Melodinus (M. australis and M. conchinchinensis) (Simões & al., 2007). The leaves and barks contain indolic alkaloids including hydroxy-11-tabersonine, venalstonine, Δ14-vincine and craspidospermine. The infusion of the aerial parts of the plant is used to treat lung diseases and the after-effects of syphilis. The wood is used for construction and carpentry (http5).
Flowering time: February-August
Population: 98 subpopulations
Lower elevation limit: 0 metres
Fruiting time: November
Trends:
Upper elevation limit: 1,900 metres