Description
Platostoma gabonense (also called African Platostoma, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae. It is a shrub or small tree, up to 3 m tall, with opposite, ovate to elliptic leaves, up to 7 cm long. It is native to tropical Africa, from Sierra Leone to Angola, and is found in lowland rainforest and gallery forest.
Uses & Benefits
Platostoma gabonense is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headache, and digestive problems. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Cultivation and Propagation
Platostoma gabonense is a terrestrial orchid native to Africa. It prefers moist, shady habitats and grows best in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Propagation is best done by division of the rhizomes in the spring. It can also be propagated from seed, although this is more difficult and takes longer.