Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Species:
contorta
ID:
320468

Status:
valid

Authors:
Stapf

Source:
wcs

Year:
1894

Citation Micro:
Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1894: 23 (1894)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000319800

Common Names

  • Tabernaemontana Contorta
  • Twisted Milkwood
  • Twisted Corkwood

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Synonyms

  • Sarcopharyngia contorta (Stapf) Boiteau [unknown]
  • Conopharyngia contorta Stapf [unknown]

Description

Tabernaemontana contorta (also called Twisted Milk Tree, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae. It is native to Central America and the Caribbean, where it grows in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 5 m tall.

Uses & Benefits

Tabernaemontana contorta is used in traditional medicine for treating fever, colds, and other ailments. It is also used as an ornamental plant, for its attractive foliage and flowers.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Tabernaemontana contorta are white, and are borne in clusters. The seeds are ovoid, and the seedlings are slender and erect.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Tabernaemontana contorta is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 6 m tall. It is best grown in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained seedbed and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and rooted in a well-drained medium.

Where to Find Tabernaemontana contorta

Tabernaemontana contorta is native to tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Angola.

Tabernaemontana contorta FAQ

What is the common name of Tabernaemontana contorta?

Contorta

What is the natural habitat of Tabernaemontana contorta?

It is found in tropical rainforests of South America.

What are the characteristics of Tabernaemontana contorta?

It is an evergreen tree with a dense, spreading canopy and a smooth, grey bark. The leaves are glossy green and the flowers are white and fragrant.

Species in the Tabernaemontana genus

Tabernaemontana africana, Tabernaemontana alba, Tabernaemontana alfari, Tabernaemontana alternifolia, Tabernaemontana amplifolia, Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia, Tabernaemontana angulata, Tabernaemontana antheonycta, Tabernaemontana apoda, Tabernaemontana arborea, Tabernaemontana attenuata, Tabernaemontana aurantiaca, Tabernaemontana bouquetii, Tabernaemontana bovina, Tabernaemontana brachyantha, Tabernaemontana bufalina, Tabernaemontana calcarea, Tabernaemontana capuronii, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Tabernaemontana cerea, Tabernaemontana cerifera, Tabernaemontana chocoensis, Tabernaemontana ciliata, Tabernaemontana citrifolia, Tabernaemontana coffeoides, Tabernaemontana columbiensis, Tabernaemontana contorta, Tabernaemontana cordata, Tabernaemontana coriacea, Tabernaemontana corymbosa, Tabernaemontana crassa, Tabernaemontana crassifolia, Tabernaemontana cumata, Tabernaemontana cuspidata, Tabernaemontana cymosa, Tabernaemontana debrayi, Tabernaemontana dichotoma, Tabernaemontana disticha, Tabernaemontana divaricata, Tabernaemontana donnell-smithii, Tabernaemontana eglandulosa, Tabernaemontana elegans, Tabernaemontana eusepala, Tabernaemontana eusepaloides, Tabernaemontana flavicans, Tabernaemontana gamblei, Tabernaemontana glandulosa, Tabernaemontana grandiflora, Tabernaemontana granulosa, Tabernaemontana hallei,

Species in the Apocynaceae family

Acokanthera laevigata, Acokanthera oblongifolia, Acokanthera oppositifolia, Acokanthera rotundata, Acokanthera schimperi, Adenium boehmianum, Adenium multiflorum, Adenium obesum, Adenium oleifolium, Adenium swazicum, Adenium dhofarense, Aganosma breviloba, Aganosma cymosa, Aganosma gracilis, Aganosma lacei, Aganosma petelotii, Aganosma schlechteriana, Aganosma siamensis, Aganosma wallichii, Aganosma heynei, Alafia alba, Alafia barteri, Alafia benthamii, Alafia berrieri, Alafia calophylla, Alafia caudata, Alafia erythrophthalma, Alafia falcata, Alafia fuscata, Alafia insularis, Alafia intermedia, Alafia landolphioides, Alafia lucida, Alafia microstylis, Alafia multiflora, Alafia nigrescens, Alafia orientalis, Alafia parciflora, Alafia pauciflora, Alafia perrieri, Alafia schumannii, Alafia thouarsii, Alafia vallium, Alafia verschuereni, Alafia whytei, Alafia zambesiaca, Allamanda calcicola, Allamanda angustifolia, Allamanda blanchetii, Allamanda cathartica,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-200643: Based on the initial data import
Otto Stapf (1857-1933): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Stapf' in the authors string.