| Silkrubber | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Funtumia |
| Species: |
F. elastica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Funtumia elastica | |
Funtumia elastica (also known as the bush rubber tree[1]orsilkrubber[2]) is a medium-sized African rubber tree with glossy leaves, milky sap, and long woody seedpods. The bark is used in the traditional medicine of tropical Africa.[citation needed] It is economically important in West African countries such as Ghana, where it is commonly known as the ofruntum.[1]
A variety of chemical compounds have been identified in F. elastica. Unprocessed F. elastica powder is distinctly blue due to its anthocyanin content.[citation needed] The steroidal alkaloid conessine, which is found in F. elastica, has anti-bacterial properties in vitro.[3]
Crude extracts of F. elastica inhibit growth of many molds, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida, as well as the fungi that cause ringworm.[4]
| Funtumia elastica |
|
|---|---|
| Kixia elastica |
|
