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Herbs & Plants

Thevetia peruviana (Kolke ful)

Botanical Name :Thevetia    peruviana
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Thevetia
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Species: T. peruviana
Common Names:Kolkeful(Bengal), Mexican oleander, Yellow Oleander, Lucky Nut

Habitat :Thevetia peruviana is a plant probably native to Mexico and Central America and a close relative to Nerium oleander.

Description:
It is an evergreen tropical shrub or small tree that bears yellow or orange-yellow, trumpet like flowers and its fruit is deep red/black in color encasing a large seed that bears some resemblance to a Chinese “lucky nut.”

YOU MAY CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURE>...(01).…(2)..…..Yellow Oleander (Thevetia peruviana) leaves & flowers……...leaves & flower buds…….tree trunk.……...leaves & flowers

It contains a milky sap containing a compound called thevetin that is used as a heart stimulant but in its natural form is extremely poisonous, as are all parts of the plants, especially the seeds. Its leaves are long, lance shaped and green in colour. Leaves are covered in waxy coating to reduce water loss (typical of oleanders). Its stem is green turning silver/gray as it ages.

Cultivation & Propagation:

*Exposure: part, full, or reflected sun; revels in heat
*Water: ample is best
*Soil: improved garden soil with good drainage

Maintenance: low; periodic pruning and litter cleanup; training when young to tree if desired

Can be grown as shrub or tree outside in warmer climates but in frost prone areas best brought back inside for winter. Will tolerate most kinds of soil as long as they are well drained and is situated in full sun in a sheltered area. Useful as a landscaping plant in warmer climates as it does not need much maintenance.


Propagation:

Propagate by seed in spring (clean seed coat in a glass containing 10% bleach 90% warm water for 2-3min; after wash seed and soak in warm water for 24h). Can also propagate from cuttings in spring-early summer with hardwood cuttings. For both use a seed/cutting compost that contains perlite.


Medicinal Uses:

The toxins are cardenolides called Thevetin A and Thevetin B (Cerebroside), others include peruvoside, neriifolin, thevetoxin and ruvoside. These cardenolides are not destroyed by drying or heating and they are very similar to digoxin from Digitalis purpurea. They produce gastric and cardiotoxic effects. Antidotes for treatment include atropine and Digoxin antibodies and treatment may include oral administration of activate charcoal.

These toxins have also been experimented for use in pest control.

You may click to see :
Oleander (Nerium oleander, Thevetia peruviana)

Other Uses:
This plant is used for land scaping for it’s luxuriant tropical effect’ ,long-lasting color , against hot walls, patios, entryways


Toxicity:

These plants are toxic to most vertebrates as they contain cardiac glycosides. Many cases of intentional and accidental poisoning of humans are known. A few bird species are however known to feed on them without any ill effects. These include the Asian Koel, Red-whiskered Bulbul, White-browed Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, Brahminy Myna, Common Myna and Common Grey Hornbill.

Click to see : Toxicity of Thevetia peruviana

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thevetia_peruviana
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Thevetia_peruviana.html
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Apocynaceae/Thevetia_peruviana.html

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