Strychnos is a genus of flowering plants, belonging to family Loganiaceae (sometimes Strychnaceae). The genus includes about 100 accepted species of trees and lianas, and more than 200 that are as yet unresolved. The genus is widely distributed around the world’s tropics. The genus is noted for the presence of poisonous indole alkaloids in the roots, stems and leaves of the plant. Among the alkaloids are strychnine and curare.

Strychnos usambarensis commonly known as Mukangala in Venda and Blue Bitterberry in English is a South African indigenous species from the Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces. It is synonymously known as Strychnos cerasifera and Strychnos micans. It grows into a small to medium sized tree with soft shiny leaves which are borne horizontally. From summer to autumn it bears faintly scented greenish-white flowers which are followed by orange fruit.