Gelsemium elegans
Gelsemium elegans (Gardner & Champ.) Benth.
Gelsemium elegans, known as heartbreak grass, is a toxic plant in the Gelsemiaceae family. It is native to regions in Asia, including China, Southeast Asia, and parts of India. The plant contains several alkaloids, including gelsemine, gelsenicine, gelsevirine, koumine, and 14-Hydroxygelsenicine, which contribute to its poisonous nature.
Description
Gelsemium elegans is a member of the Gelsemiaceae family and is distributed across several regions in Asia, such as China, Southeast Asia, and parts of India. It is commonly referred to as heartbreak grass. The plant is known for its toxic properties, containing various alkaloids such as gelsemine, gelsenicine, gelsevirine, koumine, and 14-Hydroxygelsenicine. These compounds are responsible for the plant's poisonous effects. The scientific name was published in 1856 by Benth., based on earlier work by Gardner & Champ.
Distribution
TW · Assam · Borneo · China South-Central · China Southeast · Hainan · Jawa · Laos · Malaya · Myanmar · Sumatera · Taiwan · Thailand · Vietnam
Synonyms
Gelsemium sumatranumMedicia elegansLeptopteris sumatrana
