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 | |
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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
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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
edit- ^ a b "Pycnobotrya", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013
- ^ "Pycnobotrya nitida". The Plant List. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
- ^ Search for "Pycnobotrya", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013
- ^ Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. p. 479. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.
- ^ Search for "Pycnobotrya nitida", World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, retrieved 18 August 2013