Craspidospermum

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

Description
Craspidospermum verticillatum grows as a tree up to 25 m tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. Its flowers feature a white or pale pink corolla, with pink or dark red throat.

Range and habitat
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 1800 m elevation.

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.

Uses
Local medicinal uses include as a treatment for pulmonary diseases and syphilis. C. verticillatum is endemic to Madagascar.