What is Cascabela Thevetia?
The toxic Cascabela Thevetia is a widespread decorative shrub native to Mexico and Central America. It shares an ancestor with Nerium oleander, earning it the popular name yellow oleander. In the West Indies, it is also known as a fortunate nut. It grows aggressively, forming thickets that trample native plants and disrupt successional cycles, especially in low-lying places and near watercourses.
The plant is also exceedingly poisonous; ingesting any part can kill humans and other animals. It has been designated as an invasive species and a noxious weed in East Timor, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Australia, Anguilla, Cuba, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji, and other Pacific island nations. It is now included in the Global Invasive Species Database.
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Cascabela Thevetia: Quick facts
| Botanical name: Cascabela thevetia |
| Type: A big spreading shrub that is typically 2.5–3.5 metres tall. |
| Leaf type: The leaves are glossy green, linear-lanceolate, and willow-like. |
| Varieties available: Over 15 |
| Also known as: Yellow oleander |
| Sun exposure: Keep in shade with a few hours of direct sunlight |
| Ideal temperature: 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Soil type: Well-drained |
| Soil pH: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline |
| Basic requirements: Intermittent watering, indirect sunlight, home-made fertiliser |
| Ideal location for placement: Outdoors |
| Ideal season to grow: Summer |
| Maintenance: Very low |
Cascabela Thevetia: Physical description
Cascabela Thevetia is an evergreen shrub or a small tree that typically grows to a height of 4 to 8 metres. The linear, 13-15 cm long leaves are grouped in spirals. Flowers are funnel-shaped, brilliant yellow, and spirally twisted. The fruits have a diameter of 4-5 cm, are fairly spherical, and are slightly meaty. The fruits, which are initially green in colour, become black as they ripen.
How to grow Cascabela Thevetia?
The Cascabela plant is quite easy to cultivate and multiply. The plant thrives in either direct sunlight or light shade. It loves a fertile, well-drained loam with added leaf mould, yet it may also grow in poor and dry soils. Additionally, the plant may tolerate somewhat salinised soils. Established plants can withstand drought.
Because of their shallow roots, the plants should be placed in areas that are shielded from severe winds. Young plants’ stem tips are pinched off to promote a bushy habit, while mature plants are trimmed to shape and control size after blooming or right before the growth season. In tropical climates, the plant may blossom and bear fruit all year round. Long after they are mature, the fruits hang on the plant.
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What are the benefits of Cascabela Thevetia?
- The plant is reported to have a variety of therapeutic effects in various areas. In tropical Asia and America, the plant is frequently employed in household medicine.
- Traditional uses of this plant include the treatment of amenorrhea, malaria, jaundice, haemorrhoids, constipation, migraines, and skin conditions.
- A variety of cardiac glycosides make up the majority of the plant’s medicinally significant constituents. Peruvoside has been studied the most out of these glycosides.
- Peruvoside can successfully cure all types of cardiac insufficiency, according to large-scale clinical studies involving 1,600 patients.
FAQs
Is Cascabela Thevetia poisonous?
Yes, it is. Every part of the plant is poisonous.
Are these plants bad for the native species?
Yes. The trees are classified as noxious weeds in South Africa and can become invasive if grown in open areas.
How tall will Cascabela Thevetia get?
Cascabela Thevetia plants can get to 20 feet (6 m.) in the wild.