Status:
valid
Authors:
Rolfe
Source:
wcs
Year:
1883
Citation Micro:
J. Bot. 21: 202 (1883)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000333622
Common Names
- Voacanga foetida
- Foetida Voacanga
- Foetida Tree
Synonyms
- Orchipeda foetida Blume [unknown]
- Vinca foetida Noronha [unknown]
- Dicrus foetidus Reinw. [unknown]
Description
Voacanga foetida (also called African tree of life, among many other common names) is a species of tree native to tropical Africa. It is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 15 m tall with a trunk up to 50 cm in diameter. It is found in lowland rainforest and coastal areas.
Uses & Benefits
Voacanga foetida is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating fever, inflammation, and skin diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Voacanga foetida has small, yellow flowers and small, black seeds. The seedlings have dark green, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Voacanga foetida is a small evergreen tree or shrub, growing up to 4 m tall. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by cuttings in spring or early summer. Take cuttings of around 10 cm long from the tips of the stems and remove the lower leaves. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with a mixture of equal parts of peat and sand and keep them in a warm and humid environment.
Where to Find Voacanga foetida
Voacanga foetida can be found in tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Angola and Mozambique.
Voacanga foetida FAQ
What is the scientific name of Voacanga foetida?
Voacanga foetida
What is the common name of Voacanga foetida?
Stinking Voacanga
What is the native range of Voacanga foetida?
West and Central Africa
Species in the Voacanga genus
Voacanga africana,
Voacanga bracteata,
Voacanga caudiflora,
Voacanga chalotiana,
Voacanga foetida,
Voacanga globosa,
Voacanga gracilipes,
Voacanga grandifolia,
Voacanga havilandii,
Voacanga megacarpa,
Voacanga pachyceras,
Voacanga psilocalyx,
Voacanga thouarsii,
Voacanga obcura,
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,