About Acokanthera oppositifolia (Lam.) Codd
Acokanthera oppositifolia, commonly known as the poison arrow tree, is a shrub. It has been used as a source of arrow poison, and to coat caltrops crafted from the sharp fruits of puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris). Acokanthera schimperi is also used for this same purpose. All species in the genus Acokanthera contain potent toxic cardiac glycosides strong enough to cause death. Unlike all other parts of A. oppositifolia, its fully ripe fruit is sweet and edible. Unripe fruit remain poisonous, so only completely ripe fruit are eaten. This species is widespread across southern and central Africa, ranging from Cape Province north to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.
