Physostigma is a botanical genus that belongs to the family of Fabaceae. It is a tall woody vine that grows in tropical rainforests of Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. The plant is also known by other names such as calabar bean, ordeal bean, chop nut, and esere. The seeds of physostigma are poisonous and were used in traditional African medicine for centuries. The active ingredients of the plant, particularly physostigmine, are used in modern medicine to treat glaucoma and other eye conditions. Despite its toxic nature, physostigma was also used for several rituals and ceremonies in African cultures where it was believed to have supernatural powers.