Strophanthus gratus

Strophanthus gratus is a plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae.

Description
Strophanthus gratus is a woody liana that can grow up to 25 m, with a trunk diameter of up to 10 cm. Its fragrant flowers feature a white corolla, topped by red or purple colour, with pink corona lobes.

Distribution and habitat
Strophanthus gratus is native to tropical Africa: from Senegal in the west, east and south to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is naturalized in Taiwan and also Trinidad and Tobago.

Uses
Strophanthus gratus has been used in local traditional medicine: ouabain derived from the plant's seeds is used as a treatment for heart failure. It has also been used as arrow poison.