The generic name Strophanthus describes the flowers of this plant
well. Strophos means a twisted rope, and Anthos means
flower. The petals of the flowers are long, narrow and twisted like a
corkscrew. To some, they resemble wood shavings. It is a compact shrub, with clear, white or yellow latex. Leaves
are elliptic, acute at both the ends. Flowers occur in many-flowered cymes,
terminal or in the forks of branches. Flowers are orange red and look very
strange with hanging, long, twisted petals. Corkscrew Flower is native to
Madagascar.
Medicinal uses:
Corkscrew Flower is used in local medicinal treatments for gonorrhoea,
colic, wounds and itches.