Alstonia venenata R. Br.

Alstonia venenata R. Br.

Know our Plant

Systematic classification:

 Division    : Angiospermae
 Class       : Dicotyledons
 Sub class   : Gamopetalae
 Series      : Bicarpellatae
 Order       : Gentianales
 Family      : Apocynaceae
 Genus       : Alstonia      
 Species     : venenata

Common name:

Poison devil tree, Analivegam

General information:

Alstonia venenata is a plant of the family Apocynaceae. It grows as a shrub or small tree in low to mid elevation deciduous forests of India.Growing up to 6m tall with grayish brown bark and bright yellow hard woody root.Leaves are simple arranged in whorls of 3-6.They are landshaped , membraneous, with wavy margins.Flowers are white, occuring in clusters at branch ends.Fruits are fusiform,stalked and beaked follicles, tapering both ends. Seeds flat wittufts of hair in each end.

Economic Importance:

  • Roots and fruits are believed to be useful for skin diseases, leprosy, cobra and other venomous bites, epilepsy, fatigue, fever, syphilis, insanity, helminthiasis, epilepsy, as remedy for impure blood.