Rauvolfia serpentina, commonly known as Indian Snakeroot, is a perennial undershrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, as well as parts of East Asia. It typically thrives in the understory of moist deciduous forests, often in shaded areas along streams and riverbanks. This plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and is characterized by its greenish-white to pink flowers that bloom from May to October, which are not particularly showy but are followed by small, fleshy, purple-black drupes.

Indian Snakeroot is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly the alkaloid reserpine, which has been used to treat hypertension and certain mental disorders. The plant has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of ailments. In cultivation, it requires a consistently moist soil environment, partial to full shade, and well-draining soil to prevent root rot. It is not commonly used in ornamental gardening due to its modest appearance and potential health risks if not used under professional guidance. Gardeners should be aware that Rauvolfia serpentina can be invasive in some tropical climates and has the potential to escape cultivation and naturalize in new areas. Additionally, it may interact with various prescription drugs and cause adverse effects if ingested without proper knowledge or supervision.CC BY-SA 4.0