Rauvolfia afra
Rauvolfia afra, commonly known as African snakeroot, is a significant medicinal shrub native to subtropical Africa. Renowned in traditional medicine, it is frequently utilized for its sedative and antihypertensive properties. The plant contains bioactive alkaloids, making it a vital subject in pharmacological research for treating various neurological conditions.
- Scientific name: Rauvolfia afra
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianales, it is a member of the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is specifically identified under the genus Rauvolfia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Rauvolfia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found across various regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its distribution includes the countries of Benin, Nigeria, and Togo. The species also extends into West-Central Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be located within the borders of the Central African Republic. Additionally, its range encompasses the territory of Cameroon.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Central African Republic | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Congo | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Equatorial Guinea | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gabon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |