126 Species in Genus Tabernaemontana

The Enchanting World of Tabernaemontana: A Personal Journey

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the intricate beauty and diversity of the natural world. Among my many botanical fascinations, the genus Tabernaemontana holds a special place in my heart. These evergreen shrubs and small trees, belonging to the Apocynaceae family, boast a captivating blend of elegance and resilience. With their glossy leaves, fragrant flowers, and intriguing ethnobotanical history, they’ve captivated plant enthusiasts and researchers alike for centuries.

A Pan-Tropical Treasure Trove

Tabernaemontana is a truly pan-tropical genus, with species scattered across Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, South America, and various oceanic islands. This wide distribution speaks to their adaptability and resilience, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from humid rainforests to arid savannas.

The genus name itself is a tribute to Jakob Theodor von Bergzabern, a renowned German botanist from the 16th century. His Latinized name, Tabernaemontanus, meaning “tavern in the mountains,” adds a touch of quaintness to this remarkable group of plants.

Delicate Blooms and Milky Sap

One of the most striking features of Tabernaemontana is their exquisite flowers. These blossoms, often white and sometimes tinged with yellow or pink, exude a sweet fragrance that intensifies in the evening, attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats. The delicate petals, arranged in a pinwheel-like fashion, add to their allure.

The leaves, too, are noteworthy. They are typically opposite, elliptical, and glossy, with prominent veins running through them. When broken, they release a milky sap, a characteristic feature of many plants in the Apocynaceae family. This sap, while potentially toxic if ingested, has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes in some cultures.

A Diverse Genus

The genus Tabernaemontana is remarkably diverse, with over 100 recognized species. Some of the most notable ones include:

  1. Tabernaemontana divaricata: Commonly known as the pinwheel flower or crape jasmine, this species is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. Its pure white, pinwheel-shaped flowers and glossy dark green leaves make it a popular choice for gardens and hedges. Plant FAQs: Tabernaemontana Divaricata – Pinwheel Flower
  2. Tabernaemontana elegans: Native to Africa, this species is a small tree with fragrant white flowers and orange fruits. It’s often used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
  3. Tabernaemontana sananho: Found in South America, this species is known for its psychoactive properties. It has been used by indigenous communities for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.
  4. Tabernaemontana pandacaqui: This species, native to Southeast Asia, is a shrub with white, fragrant flowers and red fruits. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
  5. Tabernaemontana abbreviata (J.F.Morales) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  6. Tabernaemontana africana Hook.
  7. Tabernaemontana alba Mill.
  8. Tabernaemontana alfaroi Donn.Sm.
  9. Tabernaemontana allenii (Woodson) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  10. Tabernaemontana alternifolia L.
  11. Tabernaemontana amplifolia L.Allorge
  12. Tabernaemontana amygdalifolia Jacq.
  13. Tabernaemontana angulata Mart. ex Müll.Arg.
  14. Tabernaemontana antheonycta Leeuwenb.
  15. Tabernaemontana apoda C.Wright
  16. Tabernaemontana arborea Rose
  17. Tabernaemontana attenuata (Miers) Urb.
  18. Tabernaemontana aurantiaca Gaudich.
  19. Tabernaemontana bouquetii (Boiteau) Leeuwenb.
  20. Tabernaemontana bovina Lour.
  21. Tabernaemontana brachyantha Stapf
  22. Tabernaemontana brachypoda K.Schum.
  23. Tabernaemontana brasiliensis (Leeuwenb.) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  24. Tabernaemontana bufalina Lour.
  25. Tabernaemontana calcarea Pichon
  26. Tabernaemontana capuronii Leeuwenb.
  27. Tabernaemontana catharinensis A.DC.
  28. Tabernaemontana cerea (Woodson) Leeuwenb.
  29. Tabernaemontana cerifera Pancher & Sebert
  30. Tabernaemontana chamelensis L.O.Alvarado & Lozada-Pérez
  31. Tabernaemontana chocoensis (A.H.Gentry) Leeuwenb.
  32. Tabernaemontana ciliata Pichon
  33. Tabernaemontana citrifolia L.
  34. Tabernaemontana coffeoides Bojer ex A.DC.
  35. Tabernaemontana columbiensis (L.Allorge) Leeuwenb.
  36. Tabernaemontana contorta Stapf
  37. Tabernaemontana cordata Merr.
  38. Tabernaemontana coriacea Link ex Roem. & Schult.
  39. Tabernaemontana corymbosa Roxb. ex Wall.
  40. Tabernaemontana crassa Benth.
  41. Tabernaemontana crassifolia Pichon
  42. Tabernaemontana crispiflora K.Schum.
  43. Tabernaemontana cumata Leeuwenb.
  44. Tabernaemontana cuspidata Rusby
  45. Tabernaemontana cymosa Jacq.
  46. Tabernaemontana debrayi (Markgr.) Leeuwenb.
  47. Tabernaemontana dichotoma Roxb. ex Wall.
  48. Tabernaemontana disticha A.DC.
  49. Tabernaemontana donnell-smithii Rose
  50. Tabernaemontana eglandulosa Stapf
  51. Tabernaemontana eubracteata (Woodson) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  52. Tabernaemontana eusepala Aug.DC.
  53. Tabernaemontana eusepaloides (Markgr.) Leeuwenb.
  54. Tabernaemontana flavicans Roem. & Schult.
  55. Tabernaemontana fragrans Jongkind
  56. Tabernaemontana gamblei Subr. & A.N.Henry
  57. Tabernaemontana glabra (Benth.) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  58. Tabernaemontana glandulosa (Stapf) Pichon
  59. Tabernaemontana grandiflora Jacq.
  60. Tabernaemontana granulosa Pit.
  61. Tabernaemontana hallei (Boiteau) Leeuwenb.
  62. Tabernaemontana hannae (M.Méndez & J.F.Morales) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  63. Tabernaemontana heterophylla Vahl
  64. Tabernaemontana humblotii (Baill.) Pichon
  65. Tabernaemontana hystrix Steud.
  66. Tabernaemontana inconspicua Stapf
  67. Tabernaemontana laeta Mart.
  68. Tabernaemontana lagenaria Leeuwenb.
  69. Tabernaemontana laurifolia L.
  70. Tabernaemontana leeuwenbergiana J.F.Morales
  71. Tabernaemontana letestui (Pellegr.) Pichon
  72. Tabernaemontana linkii A.DC.
  73. Tabernaemontana litoralis Kunth
  74. Tabernaemontana longipes Donn.Sm.
  75. Tabernaemontana lorifera (Miers) Leeuwenb.
  76. Tabernaemontana macrocalyx Müll.Arg.
  77. Tabernaemontana macrocarpa Jack
  78. Tabernaemontana markgrafiana J.F.Macbr.
  79. Tabernaemontana maxima Markgr.
  80. Tabernaemontana mixtecana L.O.Alvarado & Juárez-Jaimes
  81. Tabernaemontana mocquerysi Aug.DC.
  82. Tabernaemontana muricata Link ex Roem. & Schult.
  83. Tabernaemontana oaxacana (L.O.Alvarado) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  84. Tabernaemontana ochoterenae L.O.Alvarado & S.Islas
  85. Tabernaemontana ochroleuca Urb.
  86. Tabernaemontana odoratissima (Stapf) Leeuwenb.
  87. Tabernaemontana oppositifolia (Spreng.) Urb.
  88. Tabernaemontana ovalifolia Urb.
  89. Tabernaemontana pachysiphon Stapf
  90. Tabernaemontana palustris Markgr.
  91. Tabernaemontana panamensis (Markgr., Boiteau & L.Allorge) Leeuwenb.
  92. Tabernaemontana pauciflora Blume
  93. Tabernaemontana pauli (Leeuwenb.) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  94. Tabernaemontana peduncularis Wall.
  95. Tabernaemontana penduliflora K.Schum.
  96. Tabernaemontana persicariifolia Jacq.
  97. Tabernaemontana peschiera ined.
  98. Tabernaemontana phymata Leeuwenb.
  99. Tabernaemontana polyneura (King & Gamble) D.J.Middleton
  100. Tabernaemontana psorocarpa (Pierre ex Stapf) Pichon
  101. Tabernaemontana remota Leeuwenb.
  102. Tabernaemontana retusa (Lam.) Pichon
  103. Tabernaemontana riverae L.O.Alvarado & V.Saynes
  104. Tabernaemontana robinsonii (Woodson) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  105. Tabernaemontana rostrata Wall.
  106. Tabernaemontana rupicola Benth.
  107. Tabernaemontana salomonensis (Markgr.) Leeuwenb.
  108. Tabernaemontana salzmannii A.DC.
  109. Tabernaemontana sambiranensis Pichon
  110. Tabernaemontana sessilifolia Baker
  111. Tabernaemontana simulans (J.F.Morales & Q.Jiménez) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  112. Tabernaemontana siphilitica (L.f.) Leeuwenb.
  113. Tabernaemontana solanifolia A.DC.
  114. Tabernaemontana sphaerocarpa Blume
  115. Tabernaemontana stapfiana Britten
  116. Tabernaemontana stellata Pichon
  117. Tabernaemontana stenoptera (Leeuwenb.) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  118. Tabernaemontana stenosiphon Stapf
  119. Tabernaemontana ternifolia D.J.Middleton
  120. Tabernaemontana thurstonii Horne ex Baker
  121. Tabernaemontana tomentosa (Greenm.) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  122. Tabernaemontana undulata Vahl
  123. Tabernaemontana vanheurckii Müll.Arg.
  124. Tabernaemontana ventricosa Hochst. ex A.DC.
  125. Tabernaemontana venusta (J.F.Morales) A.O.Simões & M.E.Endress
  126. Tabernaemontana wullschlaegelii Griseb.

Ethnobotanical Significance

Tabernaemontana has a rich ethnobotanical history, with various species being used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes by indigenous communities across the globe. The milky sap, bark, leaves, and roots have been employed in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, pain, inflammation, and skin diseases.

However, it’s crucial to note that many Tabernaemontana species contain potent alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested improperly. Therefore, it’s essential to exercise caution and consult with qualified healthcare professionals before using any part of these plants for medicinal purposes.

Conservation Concerns

Despite their adaptability, some Tabernaemontana species are facing threats due to habitat loss and overexploitation. Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion have led to the decline of their natural populations in certain regions.

Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these fascinating plants. This includes protecting their natural habitats, promoting sustainable harvesting practices, and raising awareness about their ecological and cultural significance.

A Continuing Fascination

My journey with Tabernaemontana has been one of continuous learning and discovery. These plants, with their delicate beauty, intriguing ethnobotanical history, and ecological importance, continue to fascinate me. I believe that by understanding and appreciating the diversity of the natural world, we can foster a deeper connection with our planet and contribute to its preservation.

In the words of the great naturalist John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” My exploration of Tabernaemontana has indeed been a rewarding journey, enriching my understanding of the intricate web of life that surrounds us.

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