Family: Apocynaceae
Author: Poir.
Bibliography: J.B.A.P.M.de Lamarck, Encycl. 7: 529 (1806)
Year: 1806
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tabernaemontana
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. China to Pacific
Description
Dogbane, scientifically known as Tabernaemontana pandacaqui, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Apocynaceae family. Documented as early as 1806 by J.B.A.P.M. de Lamarck in his botanical encyclopedia, it was later described by Poir. This perennial plant is widely distributed, stretching from southern China all the way to the Pacific Islands.
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui is notable for its sturdy, evergreen nature. Usually found in tropical and subtropical regions, this plant thrives in warm, humid environments. Its adaptability to different soil types and climates makes it a prevalent species within its range.
One of the distinguishing features of Dogbane is its attractive appearance. This plant often presents with glossy, green leaves and clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that exude a pleasant fragrance. The flowers can range in color from white to pale yellow, making it an appealing addition to any natural landscape.
Beyond its ornamental uses, Dogbane holds a significant place in traditional medicine across various cultures within its geographical range. The plant’s different parts, such as leaves, stems, and latex, have been historically used for their therapeutic properties. However, it is crucial to handle this plant with care, as some of its components are known to be toxic if misused.
Ecologically, Tabernaemontana pandacaqui plays an essential role in its native habitats. It often contributes to the stability of the ecosystem by supporting various forms of wildlife, including pollinators that are attracted to its flowers.
In summary, the Dogbane or Tabernaemontana pandacaqui is a remarkable plant with both aesthetic and practical value. Its extensive distribution from southern China to the Pacific underscores its resilience and significance in both natural and cultural contexts.
Common Names
En: Dogbane
Bn: কাঠ মালতী
Zh: 南洋馬蹄花, 山馬茶
Zh-tw: 山馬茶
To: Teʻeteʻemanu
Synonyms
- Tabernaemontana citrifolia (G.Forst.)
- Tabernaemontana multiflora (Sm.)
- Tabernaemontana laurifolia (Blanco)
- Tabernaemontana orientalis var. angustisepala (Benth.)
- Tabernaemontana rotensis ((Kaneh.) B.C.Stone)
- Ervatamia daemeliana (Domin)
- Ervatamia linearifolia ((Merr.) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia brachybotrys ((Merr.) Pichon)
- Tabernaemontana orientalis (R.Br.)
- Ervatamia pubescens var. typica (Domin)
- Tabernaemontana diclinis (K.Schum. & Lauterb.)
- Ervatamia mucronata ((Merr.) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia punctulata ((Warb.) Markgr.)
- Tabernaemontana mucronata (Merr.)
- Ervatamia eriophora (Markgr.)
- Ervatamia obtusiuscula (Markgr.)
- Ervatamia rotensis (Kaneh.)
- Tabernaemontana guangdongensis (P.T.Li)
- Ervatamia pubescens var. grandiflora (Domin)
- Tabernaemontana pubescens (Teijsm. & Binn.)
- Tabernaemontana orientalis var. angustifolia (Benth.)
- Tabernaemontana thailandensis (P.T.Li)
- Tabernaemontana subglobosa (Merr.)
- Tabernaemontana cumingiana (A.DC.)
- Tabernaemontana puberula (Merr.)
- Ervatamia pubescens var. superba (Domin)
- Tabernaemontana pacifica (Seem.)
- Tabernaemontana punctulata (Warb.)
- Tabernaemontana decaisnei var. petiolata (A.DC.)
- Ervatamia pubescens var. glaberrima (Bakh.f.)
- Anartia recurva (Miers)
- Tabernaemontana arborescens (Perr.)
- Tabernaemontana vitiensis (Seem.)
- Ervatamia calcicola (Kerr)
- Pagiantha pandacaqui ((Poir.) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia capsicoides ((Merr.) Pichon)
- Ervatamia merrilliana (Markgr.)
- Ervatamia montensis (S.Moore)
- Tabernaemontana linearifolia (Merr.)
- Ervatamia punctulata subvar. lancifolia (Markgr.)
- Tabernaemontana laxiflora (Teijsm. & Binn.)
- Ervatamia pubescens var. punctulata ((Warb.) Markgr.)
- Benkara pandacaki ((J.F.Gmel.) M.R.Almeida)
- Ervatamia lifuana (Boiteau & L.Allorge)
- Tabernaemontana mindanaensis (Merr.)
- Ervatamia cumingiana ((A.DC.) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia floribunda var. villosiuscula (Bakh.f.)
- Ervatamia parviflora (Meijer Drees)
- Tabernaemontana hexagona (Merr.)
- Tabernaemontana biflora (Elmer)
- Tabernaemontana ebracteata (R.Br.)
- Tabernaemontana caudata (Merr.)
- Ervatamia benthamiana (Domin)
- Alstonia pacifica ((Seem.) A.C.Sm.)
- Ervatamia angustisepala ((Benth.) Domin)
- Tabernaemontana brachybotrys (Merr.)
- Ervatamia decaisnei ((A.DC.) Markgr.)
- Pagiantha subglobosa ((Merr.) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia orientalis ((R.Br.) Domin)
- Tabernaemontana orientalis var. grandifolia (Valeton)
- Ervatamia floribunda ((Blume) Pichon)
- Tabernaemontana oligantha (Merr.)
- Ervatamia puberula (Tsiang & P.T.Li)
- Tabernaemontana semperflorens (Perr.)
- Ervatamia pubescens ((R.Br.) Domin)
- Ervatamia ecarinata ((Merr.) Pichon)
- Ervatamia oligantha ((Merr.) Pichon)
- Pagiantha oligantha ((Merr.) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia punctulata var. barbatocalyx (Markgr.)
- Tabernaemontana indica (Poir.)
- Ervatamia polygama ((Blanco) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia pubescens var. barbatocalyx ((Markgr.) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia mindorensis ((Merr.) Markgr.)
- Ervatamia pubescens subvar. lancifolia ((Markgr.) Markgr.)
- Tabernaemontana mollis (Hook. & Arn.)
- Tabernaemontana floribunda (Blume)
- Tabernaemontana mindorensis (Merr.)
- Ervatamia pandacaqui ((Poir.) Pichon)
- Ervatamia subglobosa ((Merr.) Pichon)
- Ervatamia makateaensis (H.St.John)
- Ervatamia hexagona ((Merr.) Pichon)
- Tabernaemontana polygama (Blanco)
- Tabernaemontana congestiflora (Elmer)
- Tabernaemontana decaisnei (A.DC.)
- Tabernaemontana capsicoides (Merr.)
- Rejoua pacifica ((Seem.) Markgr.)
- Tabernaemontana ecarinata (Merr.)
- Tabernaemontana riedeliana (Miq.)
- Gardenia pandacaki (J.F.Gmel.)
- Ervatamia biflora ((Elmer) Pichon)
- Tabernaemontana cerniflora (Zipp. ex Span.)
Distribution
- Borneo (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Fiji (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Marianas (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- New South Wales (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Samoa (native)
- Society Is. (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tonga (native)
- Tuamotu (native)
- Vanuatu (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Panamá (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Ronald Dizon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2019 by Ernita (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2021 by BISHAL BISWAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Macedo Luzia (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 30, 2021 by Henry Tu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Nicolas Hauser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2021 by cantik rida (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 18, 2020 by renu mehta (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:82269-1)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7792065)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam.)
Specifications
Growth
