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Alstonia spp - Dita |
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Shaman Australis Ethnobotanicals (Alstonia scholaris - Seeds for sale, Plants for sale)
Alstonia
spp.
Alstonia scholaris - Dita, White Cheesewood
Botanical information
Alstonia scholaris is an evergreen tree, that grows to a height of 38m with
a spread of 10m. The stem is erect, with furrowed, spongy bark and a very bitter
sap; the leaves are petioled, oblong, 15cm long, glossy, dark green on the upper
surface, with a whitish undersurface, occurring in whorls of 4 or 6; the flowers
are greenish white, tubular and sessile, occurring in dense terminal clusters
and appearing in spring; the fruits are long cylindrical follicles.
Occurring naturally in India, Phillipines and N/E tropical Australia, it requires
medium to rich soils in an open, sunny position and is drought and frost tender.
Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Sow seed 5mm deep in moist but well-drained
seedmix and keep warm. Should germinate within a few weeks. Transplant into
single pots when 10cm tall.
Traditional uses
In India the bark of Alstonia scholaris is used solely for medicinal puposes,
ranging from Malaria and epilepsy to skinconditions and asthma. The Aboriginees
of Australia utilised the latex as a glue for attaching feathers and the like
to their bodies. Whether or not this induced any psychoactive effects is not
known. The Tantra-cult in India utilises the seeds of Alstonia scholaris and
Alstonia venenata as an aphrodisiac and stimulant in their tantric sex rituals.
Pharmacology
Alstonia scholaris seeds are rich in hallucinogenic indole-alkaloids
(alstovenine, venenatine, chlorogenine, reserpine, ditamine, echitamine) and
chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid is a mild bladder and urethra irritant, resulting
in increased sensitivity of the genital region. The only alkaloids present in
the bark and latex are ditamine, echitamine and echitenine.
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Alstonia scholaris
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Alstonia scholaris Seed
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Alstonia scholaris
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