Yellow oleander

Yellow oleander

Thevetia peruviana

Common Name:

Yellow oleander

Scientific Name:

Thevetia peruviana


Alternative common names:

Lucky nut, Mexican oleander (English); geeloleander (Afrikaans)

Description:

Densely leafy, evergreen shrub or small tree up to 6m high with milky sap. Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, bright green, glossy above and paler below. Flowers are yellow-orange, sometimes fragrant, trumpet-shaped, twisted in the bud. Fruits are drupe-like, slightly fleshy, green turning yellow, and finally hard turning black, broad triangular in outline with a raised ridge across the middle. Poisonous.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Mexico and the West Indies.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.

How does it spread?

Seed dispersal.

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and has the potential to replace indigenous species. Extremely poisonous.

What does it look like?

General description: This is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a milky sap growing up to 6m high. It has a dense, leafy profile.
Leaves: Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, bright green, glossy above and paler below.
Flowers: Flowers are yellow-orange, sometimes fragrant, trumpet-shaped, twisted in the bud.
Fruit/seeds: Fruits are drupe-like, slightly fleshy, green turning yellow, and finally hard turning black.

Does the plant have any uses?

Ornamental.

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