Strychnos family

Strychnos is a genus of tropical and subtropical plants, mostly shrubs and trees, belonging to the family Apocynaceae. They are notable for their woody stems and clusters of attractive, often fragrant flowers. Some species produce fruit that resembles large, colorful berries. Importantly, certain Strychnos plants contain potent alkaloids, such as strychnine, which is highly toxic and historically used as a poison. Despite their dangerous properties, others are valued for medicinal uses or as sources of natural compounds. Overall, Strychnos plants are significant both ecologically and in traditional practices, but they require careful handling due to their toxicity.