Yellow oleander

Yellow Oleander (Thevetia peruviana) is a tropical plant species in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to central and southern Mexico and Central America, but is now widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical regions worldwide due to its attractive yellow flowers and evergreen foliage.

Description

Yellow Oleander is a small evergreen tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The leaves are lanceolate, glossy, and dark green. The flowers are funnel-shaped, bright yellow, and bloom throughout the year in tropical climates. The fruit is a large, green, and contains numerous seeds.

Cultivation

Yellow Oleander is a popular ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. However, all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, so it should be planted with caution in areas accessible to children and pets.

Toxicity

All parts of the Yellow Oleander plant, especially the seeds, contain cardiac glycosides which are highly toxic if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, death. There is no specific antidote for Yellow Oleander poisoning, and treatment is supportive.

Uses

Despite its toxicity, Yellow Oleander has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures. It has been used to treat heart conditions, as a diuretic, and as a rodenticide. However, due to its high toxicity, it is not recommended for use without medical supervision.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Cardiac glycoside
• Thevetia