Thevetia peruviana | Cascabela Thevetia

🌿 Thevetia peruviana (Cascabela thevetia)

Botanical Name: Thevetia peruviana (syn. Cascabela thevetia)
Common Names: Yellow Oleander, Lucky Nut, Be-Still Tree, Trumpet Flower, Indian Oleander.
Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
Origin: Native to tropical regions of Mexico and Central America, now naturalized across Asia, Africa, and other warm regions.

🌱 Plant Description

Thevetia peruviana is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree, grown widely for its striking yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy green foliage. It typically reaches 3–6 meters in height and makes a beautiful ornamental plant for gardens, roadsides, and landscapes.

• Leaves: Narrow, lance-shaped, dark green, and glossy, arranged alternately.

• Flowers: Large, funnel-shaped, bright yellow (sometimes orange) flowers, appearing nearly year-round in warm climates.

• Fruits: Smooth, fleshy, green when unripe, turning black upon maturity. The fruit contains seeds known as “lucky nuts,” which are highly toxic if ingested.

🌸 Key Features

• Showy Blooms: Bright, golden-yellow flowers that stand out in any garden.

• Evergreen: Retains lush green foliage all year round.

• Fragrant Flowers: Mildly fragrant and attractive to bees and butterflies.

• Drought-Tolerant: Thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal care.

• Fast-Growing: Quickly establishes itself as a medium-sized shrub or small tree.

⚠️ Toxicity Note: All parts of Thevetia peruviana are poisonous, especially the seeds. Care should be taken if grown around children or pets.

🌍 Uses & Benefits

1. Ornamental Value – Widely planted in gardens, parks, and avenues for its decorative flowers and evergreen look.

2. Hedges & Screens – Can be shaped into hedges or left to grow as a free-standing ornamental tree.

3. Medicinal (Traditional/Folk Use) – Historically used in some traditional systems for treating skin ailments, fevers, and digestive issues, but due to toxicity, its use is highly restricted and must only be handled by experts.

4. Cultural Significance – In some regions, it is considered auspicious and planted in temple gardens or near homes for good luck.

🌤️ Growing Conditions & Care

• Light: Prefers full sun for best flowering.

• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils.

• Watering: Drought-tolerant; water moderately. Avoid overwatering.

• Temperature: Warm, tropical to subtropical climates; frost-sensitive.

• Pruning: Can be pruned to maintain desired shape and height.

• Propagation: Commonly grown from seeds or cuttings.

✅ Best For:

• Tropical gardens, roadside plantations, and ornamental landscapes.

• Gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant flowering shrub/tree with year-round beauty.