Strophanthus preussii aka Preuss' Strophanthus

Strophanthus preussii is a woody climber in the Apocynaceae family. It can also grow as a shrub. Its home range spans much of tropical Africa. It extends from Sierra Leone east to Uganda and Tanzania. It also reaches Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kew places it in the seasonally dry tropical biome. It grows in moist forests, along rivers, and at forest edges. It also occurs in clearings and forests recovering after disturbance. Its habitats reach about 4,590 feet [1,400 metres] above sea level.

The plant often climbs by twining into nearby trees. These trees support its long, slender stems. The reference lists a height of 33 feet [10 metres]. Climbing stems can reach 39 feet [12 metres] long. Shrub forms grow to about 16 feet [5 metres]. Stems can reach about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. It keeps its leaves when conditions suit it. Dry conditions can cause it to shed them. Its form therefore varies with both growing conditions and support.

Gardeners grow this species for its flowers. The flowers have long, narrow extensions called corolla tails. These tails are a key feature of its floral display. People also cut flowering branches for use in arrangements. Its climbing form suits growth through a supporting tree. Pruning can instead keep the plant in a shrub-like form. This gives growers a way to control its shape.

It grows in full sun or partial shade. The soil should be fertile and rich in humus. Good drainage also helps it grow well. It prefers soil that is slightly alkaline. Growers can raise plants from seed or softwood cuttings. Its forest habitats include both shaded sites and open clearings.

The plant has uses beyond the garden, but also poses hazards. People use its latex and seeds in arrow-poison mixtures. Young leaves are reportedly cooked and eaten as a vegetable. That report does not establish that home preparation is safe. Traditional treatments use latex on sores and wounds. Other reported uses include gonorrhoea treatments and leaf preparations for pain after childbirth. Stem fibre provides material for fishing lines, nets, and ropes. People also make bows from the stems. The latex helps coagulate another tree's latex during rubber production.