Thevetia neriifolia Juss.

Thevetia neriifolia, commonly known as Yellow Oleander or Lucky Nut, is a species of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family. Thevetia neriifolia is a beautiful yet toxic plant widely appreciated for its yellow flowers but requires caution due to its poisonous seeds. It has ornamental value, but due to its toxicity, it is essential to handle it with care.
• Scientific Name: Thevetia neriifolia Juss.
• Family: Apocynaceae
Synonyms:
• Thevetia peruviana Schumach.
• Nerium thevetia L.
• Thevetia neriifolia var. neriifolia.
Common Name:Yellow Oleander, Lucky Nut
Malayalam Name: Manjaarali മഞ്ഞഅരളി

Tamil Name:கனரன் புஷ்பம் (Kanaran Pushpam)

Botanical Description:
Thevetia neriifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree known for its showy, yellow flowers and ornamental value. Here’s a brief botanical description:
• Height: It typically grows as a shrub or small tree reaching about 3–4 meters (10–13 feet) in height.
• Leaves: The leaves are lance-shaped, long, narrow, and shiny green, with a smooth margin. They are opposite and grow in clusters at the tips of branches.
• Flowers: Thevetia neriifolia produces large, showy yellow flowers that are funnel-shaped. The flowers are bright yellow or yellow-orange and are about 5–8 cm long, often with a pleasant fragrance.
• Fruits: It bears a large capsule-like fruit that contains seeds. The seed is hard and contains a toxic substance.Fruit Color: Green when immature, turning yellow to brown as it ripens.
• Toxicity: All parts of the plant are highly toxic, especially the seeds, which contain cardiac glycosides, making them poisonous if ingested.
Uses of Thevetia neriifolia:
1. Ornamental Use:
o Thevetia neriifolia is commonly planted as an ornamental shrub or small tree due to its striking yellow flowers and glossy foliage. It is used in gardens, parks, and roadside plantations.
o The plant is often grown in tropical and subtropical areas as a decorative hedge or screen plant.
2. Traditional Medicine:
o Although highly toxic, some traditional systems of medicine in parts of the world have used the seeds and bark of the plant to treat ailments like fever, headaches, and infections. However, due to the toxic nature of the plant, this should only be used under professional guidance.
o In some cultures, it has been used in topical treatments for wounds and skin infections (again, with caution).
3. Toxicity and Poisoning:
o Thevetia neriifolia contains cardiac glycosides, particularly in its seeds, which can cause cardiac arrest and poisoning if ingested. It’s important to be cautious around this plant, especially with children or pets. The plant has historically been used in poisoning (though this is illegal and dangerous).
4. Cultural Significance:
o In some cultures, it is believed to be a lucky plant and is used for decorative purposes in temples and other religious sites.
5. Potential in Bioinsecticides:
o Some studies have explored the use of Thevetia neriifolia in natural pesticide formulations, given its toxic compounds that might have insecticidal properties.