Common Name:

General Information

Marsdenia verrucosa varies in habit according to its surroundings. Left to its own devices it becomes a low-growing shrub, but when growing next to a tree it can become a vigorous climber, growing to the top of the tree.
The plant is harvested from the wild for its latex, which can be used to make rubber; the plant also has local medicinal uses. The plant was an important producer of rubber in Madagascar before the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) became by far the most important rubber-producing plant - it is little, if at all, utilized at present.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - Madagascar.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the lowland tropics, in areas with a distinct dry season, growing at elevations from sea level to around 400 metres.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A leaf decoction is applied externally to treat syphilitic sores[].

A root decoction is taken to treat cough[].

Other Uses

A latex is obtained from the plant[]. Most of the latex is contained within the young fruits, so can be harvested without damage to the plant. The fruits are 10 - 15cm long[]. The latex can be coagulated by mixing it with lemon juice, tamarind juice, or sea water; or by heating it[]. The quality of rubber is variable, with one of the best made by using alcohol. The rubber is elastic but its main defect is that it has low tenacity[]. The latex was formerly used to adulterate better quality latex[].

Propagation

Seed -

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