Craspidospermum is a monotypic genus of plant in the family Apocynaceae endemic to Madagascar.[2] As of August 2013 the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families recognises the single species Craspidospermum verticillatum (Malagasy: Vandrika).[4]

Craspidospermum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Rauvolfioideae
Tribe: Melodineae
Genus: Craspidospermum
Bojer ex A.DC.[2]
Species:
C. verticillatum
Binomial name
Craspidospermum verticillatum
Bojer ex Decne.
Synonyms[3]

Description edit

Craspidospermum verticillatum grows as a tree up to 25 metres (82 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 centimetres (20 in). Its flowers feature a white or pale pink corolla, with pink or dark red throat.

Range and habitat edit

Craspidospermum verticillatum ranges across the east, southeast, and center of Madagascar. Its natural habitat is humid and subhumid lowland rainforest and montane forest, and sometimes rocky areas, from sea-level to 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) elevation.[1]

The tree is widespread in the island's humid and subhumid forests. It is threatened with habitat loss from deforestation for timber, firewood, and to clear land for agriculture and mining, and its population is declining.[1]

Uses edit

Local medicinal uses include as a treatment for pulmonary diseases and syphilis.[5] C. verticillatum is endemic to Madagascar.[6]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Rabehevitra, A.D. (2020). "Craspidospermum verticillatum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T70102355A70165091. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T70102355A70165091.en. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Craspidospermum", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 16 August 2013
  3. ^ "Craspidospermum verticillatum". The Plant List. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  4. ^ Search for "Craspidospermum", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 16 August 2013
  5. ^ Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. p. 196. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.
  6. ^ Search for "Craspidospermum verticillatum", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 16 August 2013