© Thomas Brendler
Dombeya acutangula ssp. rosea Friedmann, Sterculiaceae
The genus Dombeya consists of some 200 species in mostly African and Madagascan habitats. Medicinal uses of Dombeya spp. are reported from tropical Africa (D. rotundifolia), Madagascar and other islands of the Indian Ocean (D. wallichii and D. acutangula). Applications include treatment of ulcers, menstrual disorders, dysentery and colic. Plants are also grown for their wood and as ornamentals.
Heterophyllous shrub, 1-4 m high, with light grey, smooth bark. Adult leaves with 5x13 cm blade, margins crenate; petiole 3-11 cm long. Inflorescence bearing up to 20 flowers arranged in double scorpioid cymes. Flowers pink, 1.5-3 cm in diameter. Seeds up to 10.
The leaves of D. acutangula contain alkaloids, tannins and phenols.