Dichapetalum

Dichapetalum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Dichapetalaceae. It comprises about 60 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees, sometimes climbing, native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Members typically have simple leaves and produce small, inconspicuous flowers; the fruits are often drupes.

Distribution and habitat: Dichapetalum species are found in tropical forests and woodlands, from West and Central Africa through tropical Asia to the Americas; the greatest species richness is in Africa.

Toxicology and chemistry: Several species contain monofluoroacetate, a potent metabolic toxin that disrupts the citric acid cycle. The best known member, Dichapetalum cymosum, is the source of gifblaas disease in cattle in southern Africa, causing severe symptoms and can be fatal in grazing livestock. Not all species are highly toxic, and toxicity can vary with plant part and season.

Ecology and uses: Some species are used in traditional medicine by indigenous peoples, and a few are grown ornamentally. The presence of toxic compounds means handling and ingestion require caution, and affected ranges are managed to prevent livestock exposure.

Systematics: Dichapetalum is the type genus of the family Dichapetalaceae, which is placed in the order Malpighiales. The genus and its relatives are recognized in modern classifications, though species-level relationships remain the subject of study and revision.