Common Name: |
Climbing Oleander |
Other Names: |
Smooth Strophanthus, Sawai |
Botanical Name: |
Strophanus gratus syn. Roupellia grata |
Genus: |
Strophanus |
Family: |
Loganaceae |
Native Location: |
W Africa |
Cultivation: |
Moist, well-drained, rich soil in sun, with high humidity. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown when ripe; by ripewood cutting in early spring. Plants take 3 years to reach flowering size when grown from seed; maximum fruit production occurs after 6-10 years. Many flowers fo not set seeds. |
Harvest: |
Seeds are collected when ripe and processed commercially for the extraction of glycosides. |
Height: |
9m (28ft) |
Hardiness: |
Min. 16°C (61°F) |
Parts Used: |
Seeds |
Properties: |
An extremely poisonous, diuretic, tonic herb that stimulates the heart. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally, usually by injection, for heart failure, angina, hypertension, pulmonary edema, and hypotension during anesthesia and surgery. |
Warning: |
Seeds are extremely toxic if eaten. Excess causes cardiac arrest. For use by qualified practitioners only. This herb is subject to legal restrictions in many countries. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 376
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