Common Name:

General Information

Callichilia barteri is an erect shrub growing up to 3 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It has showy and fragrant flowers that make it worthy of cultivation in gardens[, ].

Known Hazards

The root contains toxic alkaloids[].

Botanical References

Range

West tropical Africa - Togo to Cameroon, Congo and DR Congo.

Habitat

Understorey in rainforest, also secondary forest and in open localities, usually in damp situations[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the leaves is used as a laxative for children and to treat dizziness[, ].
The leaves are applied against tumours[, ].

An extract of the fruit is taken as a vermifuge and as a treatment against gonorrhoea[, ].
The fruit is given to teething children to bite in[].

The roots contain a number of alkaloids, including vobtusine. Vobtusine causes hypotension as a result of peripheral vasodilatation and a direct depressant action on the heart. In moderate doses initial agitation is followed by a sedative effect; high doses may bring about convulsions and death[]. Vobtusine is not of clinical interest[].
The methanol extract of the powdered leaves showed some antioxidant activity[].

Other Uses

The plant contains a white latex that does not coagulate[]. No uses are mentioned for this latex[].

Propagation

Seed -

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