Stephanotis macrantha
Stephanotis macrantha, commonly known as Madagascar jasmine, is a fragrant, climbing evergreen shrub cherished for its waxy, white blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty in floral arrangements, this medicinal plant is traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and as a natural remedy for calming nerves.
- Scientific name: Stephanotis macrantha
- 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, it is positioned in the order Gentianaales and the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Stephanotis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Stephanotis | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found across several regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, its distribution includes the countries of Kenya and Tanzania. Moving toward the southern regions, it can also be located within South Tropical Africa. Specifically, it inhabits the territories of Angola and Malawi. Finally, its geographical range extends further into Mozambique.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Botswana | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Caprivi Strip | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Namibia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Stephanotis macrantha, is a climbing shrub where the medicinal properties and botanical structure are distributed across its various components, though specific therapeutic focus is often placed on its specialized organs. While the lush, waxy foliage and fragrant white flowers are its most recognizable features, the root serves as the essential anchoring system that absorbs nutrients and water from the soil to support its vigorous climbing habit. In many medicinal species, the root acts as a vital reservoir for secondary metabolites, playing a crucial role in the overall biological function and chemical potency of the plant.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |