Tabernaemontana elegans
Tabernaemontana elegans, the toad tree, is a shrub or small tree in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to eastern Africa.
Tabernaemontana elegans grows up to 15 metres (50 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 30 centimetres (12 in). Its fragrant flowers feature white, creamy or pale yellow corolla lobes. Fruit consists of 2 separate ovoid or ellipsoid pods, up to 8 centimetres (3 in) each.
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Habit: Shrub or small tree
- Habitat: Forests or bushlands
- Status : Common
Vernacular names
- Toad Tree
- Lowveld Toad Tree
- Warty Toad-tree
- Laeveldse paddaboom
- Paddaboom
Medicinal Uses
Tabernaemontana elegans has some local medicinal uses including the treatment of heart disease, cancer, tuberculosis and venereal diseases. The species is also used as an aphrodisiac. The Zulu name for this genus, iNomfi, refers to the use of their sticky, milky latex as bird-lime.
