Uses of and How to Grow the Toad Tree
The History, Chemistry and Cultivation of Tabernaemontana Elegans
Nov 29, 2008
The “toad tree,” Tabernaemontana elegans, can grow as high as 40 feet, with pinwheel shaped flowers. It is hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and caring for it is easy if you keep a few rules in mind.
History of the Toad Tree
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the toad tree is native to many areas of Africa. A variety of religions have incorporated this species into rituals, from Somalia in the north to Swaziland in the south.
The bark is extremely strong and fire resistant (Schmelzer). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations lists T. elegans as a preferred wood to begin fires using it as a spindle in the bow-drill method in Mozambique. The FAO also states the wood is insect resistant.
Apprenticeships to learn the nature of spirits associated with this tree are shamanic lifelong journeys, meaning that most information about it is difficult to verify. One professional ethnobotanical grower claims this plant is used in religious ceremonies to invoke the “God of Fire.” While shamen may begin cooking or common fires with matches, a ceremonial fire will be started using this wood and traditional methods.
Chemistry of T. elegans
According to research by the University of Connecticut Biology Department, this subfamily of apocynaceae contains indole alkaloids and should be considered poisonous, especially around children and animals. The milky sap which it secretes when injured comes more fluidly from new growth and is also poisonous. It dries similar to latex and functions like a scab over a wound.
Besides compounds which are similar to Iboga alkaloids, T. elegans also reportedly contains Apparicine. Studies done on Apparicine show its ability to be toxic to lymphocytic leukaemia cells. Apparicine also has opioid activity. Another alkaloid, Tabernaemontanine, shows antibacterial activity against some bacterial strains, and is cytotoxic to cancer cells in vitro (Schmelzer).
How to Cultivate and Care For the Toad Tree
The toad tree has some ability to withstand draughts and slight frost. The most important factor to good plant health is to not over water it. Make sure the soil has excellent drainage by amending with sand to a ratio of at least 10 percent, with another 20 percent perlite or coarse vermiculite.
This tree will lose its leaves at the onset of winter. Near the winter solstice in December, leaves become yellow -- a sign that watering should taper down to practically nothing for a few months. It is very important to allow the soil to dry out completely during its winter dormant phase.
Pests are especially a problem during hot weather. The most common are spider mites and mealy bugs. Regular sprays with water, then application of neem oil, can be effective.
Fertilizer should be water soluble or a continuous release formula. This is due to the increased drainage of the ammended soil. Compost tea and fish emulsion are good choices.
Reproduction is most commonly accomplished through the seeds it produces, although cloning of new growth can also be successful. Seeds are contained within its wrinkled, edible fruit. The appearance of the skin of this fruit is where the name “toad tree” comes from. Germination is slow and substantial humidity is necessary. Success rates can be improved using supplemental root heat.
Research into the beneficial compounds contained within Tabernaemontana elegans is ongoing, but its use as an ethnobotanical dates back centuries.
Sources:
Schmelzer, G.H., 2006. Tabernaemontana elegans Stapf In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Prota 11: Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands
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