Orange milktree (Harungana madagascariensis, Encycl. 6:314. 1804)

Family: Hypericaceae

Author: Poir.

Bibliography: Encycl. 6:314. 1804

Year: 1804

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Harungana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, W. Indian Ocean

Description

The Orange Milktree, scientifically known as Harungana madagascariensis, is a distinctive plant species belonging to the Hypericaceae family. This plant was authoritatively described by Poir. in 1804, as referenced in the Encycl. 6:314.

Native to tropical and southern regions of Africa as well as areas around the Western Indian Ocean, the Orange Milktree is well-adapted to a variety of climatic conditions. This geographical distribution highlights the plant’s versatility and resilience in a range of environmental settings.

Known for its characteristic milky sap, the Orange Milktree also stands out due to its vibrant and lush appearance, contributing significantly to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. This species plays a vital role in its ecosystem, providing habitat and food sources for various forms of wildlife.

The plant’s utilitarian nature extends beyond ecological benefits; in traditional medicine, various parts of Harungana madagascariensis are used for their purported medicinal properties. This has garnered interest not only among local communities but also among researchers exploring the therapeutic potentials of tropical flora.

In summary, the Orange Milktree is a remarkable plant that embodies both ecological and medicinal importance. Its presence in diverse tropical and southern African regions underscores its adaptability and the crucial role it plays in sustaining local biodiversity and cultural traditions.

Common Names

Fra: bois harongue
Eng: dragon’s-blood-tree, orange milktree
Lub: mukuta
Run: umushaishai
En: Orange milktree, Dragon’s-blood-tree, Orange-milk tree, Praying-hands, Haronga Tree
Fi: Hehkumehupuu
Fr: Bois harongue
Ha: Alillibar rafi
Ki: Mwitathoa
Rn: Umushaishai
Lu: Mukuta
Sn: Mukaranga, Mutseti, Mutsotso
Sw: Mpulapula

Synonyms

• Psorospermum leonense (Turcz.)
• Haronga madagascariensis var. pubescens ((Poir.) Choisy)
• Haronga pubescens ((Poir.) Steud.)
• Haronga paniculata ((Pers.) Lodd. ex Steud.)
• Harungana pubescens (Poir.)
• Haronga madagascariensis ((Lam. ex Poir.) Choisy)
• Haronga paniculata var. oblongifolia ((Engl.) De Wild.)
• Haronga paniculata f. oblongifolia (Engl.)
• Harungana paniculata (Pers.)
• Harungana robynsii (Spirlet)
• Haemocarpus paniculatus ((Pers.) Spreng.)
• Haronga ovata (Thouars)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cabinda (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Congo (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Julio Rakotonanahary (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by lionel RIGOULOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − mico_tse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − mico_tse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by nirina michel (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by AleskeW (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − mico_tse (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − mico_tse (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3711847)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:153822-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir.)

Specifications

Growth