Description
Tabernaemontana Africana, known as Samoan or African Gardenia is an evergreen tropical shrub in the Apocynaceae family. This is the same family to which tabernanthe iboga and voacanga Africana belong, which holds the potential for a lot of new pharmaceutical discoveries. Closely related to Uchu Sananho of the Amazon, Tabernaemontana Africana contains the indole alkaloid, conolidine, which is also found in Tabernaemontana Divaricata. Conolodine is a potentially ground-breaking alkaloid that holds the potential for a new class of pain management substances
Growing to a height of up to 4 meters, Tabernaemontana Africana, is primarily used as an exotic glossy evergreen shrub in tropical landscaping. Aside from its ornamental value, it can serve as a privacy shrub and wondbreak. Like many Apocynaceae, Tabernaemontana Africana, exudes a milky white latex, resulting in another name, African Milkwood. This milkly sap has also been used to produce latex and soap. The plant is also use to make dye. Tabernaemontana Africana compliments its glossy foliage with 4” creamy pinwheel-shaped flowers. They emanate a captivating sweet aroma that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Growing Information: Tabernaemontana Africana prefers partial shade and temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best suited outdoors for zones 10-11 and should do well in South Florida. We recommend that you plant the seeds in a moist, rich well-draining soil approximately 1/8”-1/4” deep and keep moist until germination begins. Germination takes about 3 months.
