- Source: Rauvolfia verticillata
Rauvolfia verticillata, the common devil pepper, is a plant in the family Apocynaceae. The specific epithet verticillata means 'whorled' and refers to the plant's leaves.
Description
Rauvolfia verticillata grows as a shrub or small tree, up to 5 m (16 ft) tall. The bark is yellowish black or brown. Inflorescences bear up to 35 or more flowers. The flowers feature a white or pinkish corolla. The fruits are whitish purple when ripe, ovoid in shape, measuring up to 1.4 cm (0.6 in) long.
Distribution and habitat
Rauvolfia verticillata is native to China, Taiwan and tropical Asia from India east to the Philippines. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests and savannas, from sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft) altitude.
Uses
Rauvolfia verticillata is used in traditional Chinese medicine, including as a treatment for snakebite, malaria, typhus and hypertension. The root may be locally used as a sedative and the leaves are used in the treatment of wounds.
Conservation
Rauvolfia verticillata has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by deforestation and by conversion of its habitat for agriculture and urban development. The species is present in a number of protected areas.