Pleiocarpa mutica

Pleiocarpa mutica is a plant in the family Apocynaceae.

Pleiocarpa mutica
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Apocynaceae
Genus:	Pleiocarpa
Species:	P. mutica
Binomial name
Pleiocarpa mutica Benth.[2]
Synonyms[2]
Hunteria pleiocarpa Hallier f. Pleiocarpa bakueana A.Chev. Pleiocarpa salicifolia Stapf Pleiocarpa ternata A.Chev. Pleiocarpa tricarpellata Stapf

Description

Botanical illustration, 1910

Pleiocarpa mutica grows as a shrub or small tree up to 7.5 metres (25 ft) tall, with a stem diameter of up to 5 cm (2 in). Its fragrant flowers feature a white corolla. The fruit is yellow to bright orange with paired follicles, each up to 2 cm (1 in) long. Local medicinal uses include as a treatment for stomach-ache, kidney diseases, malaria, jaundice and as a laxative.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Pleiocarpa mutica is native to an area of tropical Africa from Sierra Leone east to the Central African Republic.^[2] The species is found in a variety of habitats from sea-level to 600 metres (2,000 ft) altitude.^[3]

Phytochemistry

The alkaloid kopsinine, which has in vitro anticholinergic activity, has been isolated from Pleiocarpa mutica.^[4]