Common Name:

General Information

Danais rhamnifolia can vary somewhat in habit. Often a climbing shrub with stems up to 15 metres long, it can be more bush-like or even develop a small central trunk and be more like a small tree.
The roots are a source of a red dye that is much used traditionally. The roots also have local medicinal purposes whilst the leaves can be used as a mordant.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - eastern Madagascar.

Habitat

Lowland rainforest and also in higher elevations, occasionally in disturbed, secondary sites, usually at elevations up to 1,700 metres but occasionally ascending to 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Although this species was not mentioned specifically, the roots of many species in this genus are used as a treatment against herpes, whilst the bark is a febrifuge[].

Other Uses

A paste of the pounded rootbark dyes raffia a dark blood red[].

The leaves of many Danais species contain high proportions of aluminium (up to 1% of the dry matter weight in Danais fragrans (Comm. Ex Lam.) Pers.), which can be used as an organic mordant[]. Aluminium salts are a most useful substance for using in dyeing processes, where they strengthen and multiply the chemical bonds between the textile fibres and the majority of natural dyes[].

Propagation

Seed -

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