Status:
valid
Authors:
(Hiern) Lantz
Source:
wcs
Year:
2004
Citation Micro:
Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 146: 278 (2004)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000335943
Common Names
- Afrocanthium lactescens
- Lactescens Afrocanthium
- Afrocanthium's Lactescens
Synonyms
- Plectronia lactescens (Hiern) K.Schum. [unknown]
- Plectronia psychotrioides K.Schum. ex De Wild. [unknown]
- Plectronia randii (S.Moore) Eyles [unknown]
- Plectronia umbrosa (Hiern) K.Schum. [unknown]
- Canthium lactescens Hiern [valid]
- Canthium lactescens grandifolium S.Moore [valid]
- Canthium randii S.Moore [valid]
- Canthium umbrosum Hiern [valid]
Description
Afrocanthium lactescens (also called Milky Afrocanthium, among many other common names) is an evergreen shrub native to East Africa. It has an upright growth habit with glossy, dark green leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.
Uses & Benefits
Afrocanthium lactescens is used as a traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, stomach ache, and skin diseases. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Afrocanthium lactescens are white, with five petals and five sepals. The seeds are small, black and shiny, and the seedlings are small and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Afrocanthium lactescens can be propagated by seed or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. For cuttings, take a stem cutting with a few leaves and place it in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist.
Where to Find Afrocanthium lactescens
Afrocanthium lactescens can be found in tropical forests in Africa.
Afrocanthium lactescens FAQ
What is the best soil for Afrocanthium lactescens?
Afrocanthium lactescens prefers a well-draining soil with a neutral pH.
How much light does Afrocanthium lactescens need?
Afrocanthium lactescens needs bright, indirect light.
How often should Afrocanthium lactescens be watered?
Afrocanthium lactescens should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
Species in the Afrocanthium genus
Afrocanthium burttii,
Afrocanthium gilfillanii,
Afrocanthium keniense,
Afrocanthium kilifiense,
Afrocanthium lactescens,
Afrocanthium mundianum,
Afrocanthium ngonii,
Afrocanthium parasiebenlistii,
Afrocanthium peteri,
Afrocanthium pseudorandii,
Afrocanthium pseudoverticillatum,
Afrocanthium racemulosum,
Afrocanthium rondoense,
Afrocanthium salubenii,
Afrocanthium shabanii,
Afrocanthium siebenlistii,
Afrocanthium vollesenii,
Species in the Rubiaceae family
Acranthera abbreviata,
Acranthera anamallica,
Acranthera athroophlebia,
Acranthera atropella,
Acranthera aurantiaca,
Acranthera axilliflora,
Acranthera bullata,
Acranthera capitata,
Acranthera ceylanica,
Acranthera didymocarpa,
Acranthera endertii,
Acranthera frutescens,
Acranthera grandiflora,
Acranthera hallieri,
Acranthera hirtostipula,
Acranthera involucrata,
Acranthera johannis-winkleri,
Acranthera lanceolata,
Acranthera longipes,
Acranthera longipetiolata,
Acranthera maculata,
Acranthera megaphylla,
Acranthera monantha,
Acranthera nieuwenhuisii,
Acranthera ophiorhizoides,
Acranthera parviflora,
Acranthera philippensis,
Acranthera ruttenii,
Acranthera salmonea,
Acranthera siamensis,
Acranthera siliquosa,
Acranthera simalurensis,
Acranthera sinensis,
Acranthera strigosa,
Acranthera tomentosa,
Acranthera variegata,
Acranthera velutinervia,
Acranthera yatesii,
Acranthera philippinensis,
Acranthera burmanica,
Acranthera virescens,
Acranthera hoangii,
Acranthera collina,
Acrobotrys discolor,
Acrosynanthus jamaicensis,
Acrosynanthus latifolius,
Acrosynanthus minor,
Acrosynanthus ovatus,
Acrosynanthus parvifolius,
Acrosynanthus revolutus,
References
Henrik Lantz: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Lantz' in the authors string.