The generic name is often mis-spelt as Rauwolfia[].

Common Name:

General Information

Rauvolfia media is a shrub or a tree usually growing up to 10 metres tall, occasionally to 15 metres[].
Although poisonous, the plant is occasionally harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is also used as an adhesive. The bark and roots are the source of compounds for the the pharmaceutical industry. Between 1986 and 1995, about 16.5 tonnes per year were exported to Europe[, ].
Although not currently evaluated for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013), because of the rapid destruction of the forests in which it occurs and harvesting for local use and export, the plant may become rare and locally threatened.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are very bitter and are considered very toxic[].
The crushed roots or a decoction of the roots and bark, mixed with food, are used to poison dogs with rabies and also pest animals[, ].

Botanical References

Range

Africa - western and southern Madagascar, Comoros.

Habitat

Dry forest and savannah, at elevations from sea-level up to 800 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	6.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers sand and sandstone soils in the wild[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark of young twigs and the leaves are crushed and applied to the eyes to cure viral conjunctivitis[].

The bark and roots contain several monomeric indole alkaloids, of which reserpiline is pharmacologically active. It has sympatholytic and hypotensive properties, with no noticeable depressant effects on the central nervous system. In comparison with reserpine, which is present in other Rauvolfia spp., reserpiline does not induce the formation of gastric ulcers, has no laxative effects and lacks other side effects. The compound is used in quantity in the the pharmaceutical industry[].

Other Uses

The latex can be used as glue for small utensils[].

Propagation

Seed -

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