Common Name:

General Information

Danais volubilis is a climbing, shrubby plant producing stems up to 5 metres long[].
The roots are a source of an orange-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 - Madagascar.

Habitat

In forest over gneiss ; at the edge of forest (remnants) or in scrub ; in dry forest of the western slopes [of the Central Plateau]; in savoka vegetation; at elevations from sea level to 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	5.00 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 an orange-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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