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Amorphophallus dracontioides

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Amorphophallus dracontioides
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Amorphophallus
Species:
A. dracontioides
Binomial name
Amorphophallus dracontioides

Amorphophallus dracontioides is a species of plant in the genus Amorphophallus ranging from Ghana to Nigeria.[1][2]

Description

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This species appears as a large, fleshy stemless plant with a magenta/olive overall coloration. It has small olive speckling and a consistently ridged interior.[1][2][3]

Medicinal use

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This species's root has been used medicinally for hemorrhoids, and breaking down venomous stings/bites.[1]

Toxins

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The plant's sap contains saponins and potential steroids and therefore is mildly toxic. Aboriginal people within the range of this plant use these toxins as arrow poison. The root is believed magic.[1]

Famine food

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This species has been used within Nigeria as a food of famine. Because this species is toxic it must be boiled for two days to neutralize the toxins.[4]

Common Names

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There are countless common names for Amorphophallus dracontioides including:

Dragons Football[5]

The Hyena's Penis Plant[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Amorphophallus dracontioides (Engl.) N.E.Br. [family ARACEAE] on JSTOR". plants.jstor.org. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
  2. ^ a b "Amorphophallus dracontioides (Engl.) N.E.Br". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
  3. ^ "Occurrence Detail 3039115990". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
  4. ^ "Amorphophallus dracontioides | Purdue University Famine Foods". Retrieved 2025-01-09.
  5. ^ "Dragon's Football (Amorphophallus dracontioides)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  6. ^ William (2019-05-22). "The Hyena's Penis Plant". The Hauns in Africa. Retrieved 2025-01-15.