A small ornamental tree or shrub with narrow glossy leaves and funnel-shaped yellow flowers; all parts, especially the seeds, are highly toxic.
Yellow oleander (Thevetia neriifolia, now usually called Thevetia peruviana or Cascabela thevetia, family Apocynaceae) is an evergreen shrub or small tree, usually 3 to 8 metres tall, with a short trunk and fragrant flowers. It is widely used in folk medicine in Central and South America, and many of these uses have spread to South-East Asia; it is also often grown as an ornamental and hedge. In the West Indies its seeds are called "lucky nuts" and are carried in the pocket for luck.
It is extremely poisonous. All parts contain a highly toxic latex, and the seed kernels are the most dangerous. The poisons are heart glycosides that cause irregular heartbeat and vomiting and can kill. The seeds have been used for suicide and murder, and as an ordeal poison, rat poison and arrow poison, and the wood and bark as a fish poison.
It probably comes from Mexico and is naturalised throughout tropical America, in evergreen lowland and riverside forest at 50 to 200 metres. It grows in sun or light shade, prefers fertile, well-drained loam but tolerates poor, dry and moderately salty soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. Its roots are shallow, so it needs shelter from strong winds. Seed loses viability quickly and is best sown within three months.
Source: Useful Tropical Plants database (Fern, K.).
Traditionally used in carefully prepared small doses for skin conditions, wounds, and as a purgative; its cardiac glycosides have been studied for cardiotonic and anticancer activity. All parts are highly poisonous — ingesting the seeds or fruit can be fatal, and it should never be used without expert preparation.
Grown widely as an ornamental hedge and garden shrub; propagated easily from seed or cuttings and tolerates poor, dry soils.