Arrow Poison Tree

Acokanthera schimperi is native to Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and DR Congo. It is the only species in the genus that also occurs outside Africa, in southern Yemen.

The bark, wood and roots of Acokanthera schimperi are used as an important ingredient of arrow poison in Africa. All plant parts contain acovenoside A and ouabaïne, which are cardiotonic glycosides. Its fruit is edible, and is eaten as a famine food. When ripe they are sweet but also slightly bitter. Unripe fruits have caused accidental poisoning as they are highly toxic. The maned rat spreads the plant's poison on its fur and becomes poisonous. It is also used in traditional African medicine. In Ethiopia, for example, Acokanthera schimperi leaves have been traditionally used for jaundice.