Thevetia peruviana

Thevetia peruviana is a plant species in the family Apocynaceae, native to Central and South America. It is commonly known as the Yellow Oleander, and also called the Lucky Nut in the West Indies.

Description

Thevetia peruviana is an evergreen tropical shrub or small tree. Its leaves are linear-lanceolate, 7–14 cm long, with a green to yellowish-green color. The flowers are funnel-shaped and can be yellow, orange, or peach-colored. The fruit is a black, two-part capsule with the larger part containing the seed.

Distribution and habitat

Thevetia peruviana is native to Central and South America but is now widely naturalized in the tropics. In the wild, it is found in open, sunny areas. It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Uses

Thevetia peruviana is widely used as an ornamental plant. Its colorful flowers and evergreen leaves make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping in the tropics. It is also used in traditional medicine in many cultures, and its seeds are used to produce a potent oil.

Toxicity

All parts of Thevetia peruviana are toxic to most vertebrates as they contain cardiac glycosides. These compounds have similar effects to digitalis in humans, and ingestion can be fatal.

Cultivation

Thevetia peruviana is propagated by seeds, which are sown in the rainy season. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can tolerate poor soil conditions.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Apocynaceae