Craspidospermum

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

Craspidospermum
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific 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]
Cerbera obovata Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.

Description

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

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

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