Nerium oleander - Revision history

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{{Taxobox
| name = Oleander
| image = Nerium oleander flowers leaves.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = ''Nerium oleander'' in flower
| regnum = [[Plantae]]
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Gentianales]]
| familia = [[Apocynaceae]]
| genus = '''''Nerium''''' [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| species = '''''N. oleander'''''
| binomial = ''Nerium oleander''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''Oleander''' (''Nerium oleander''), is an [[evergreen]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]] in the dogbane family [[Apocynaceae]]. It is the only species currently classified in the [[genus]] ''Nerium''. Other names include Adelfa, Alheli Extranjero, Baladre, Espirradeira, Flor de São Jose, Laurel de jardín, Laurel rosa, Laurier rose, Flourier rose, Olean, Aiwa, Rosa Francesca, Rosa Laurel, and Rose-bay (Inchem 2005), закум [zakum] (bulgarian), zakum, zakkum, zakhum (turkish), zaqqum (arabic); Araliya (in [[Sinhalese]]); in Chinese it is known as 夹竹桃 (''jia zhu tao''). The ancient city of [[Volubilis]] in North Africa took its name from the old Latin name for the flower.

[[Image:Nerium oleander wild2.jpg|left|thumb|Oleander shrub, Morocco]]
It is native to a broad area from [[Morocco]] and [[Portugal]] eastward through the [[Mediterranean region]] and southern [[Asia]] to [[Yunnan]] in southern parts of [[China]] (''Flora Europaea''; ''Flora of China''; Huxley et al. 1992; www.inchem.org). It typically occurs around dry stream beds. It grows to 2-6 m tall, with spreading to erect branches. The [[leaf|leaves]] are in pairs or whorls of three, thick and leathery, dark green, narrow lanceolate, 5-21 cm long and 1-3.5 cm broad, and with an entire margin. The [[flower]]s grow in clusters at the end of each branch; they are white, pink or yellow, 2.5-5 cm diameter, with a deeply 5-lobed corolla with a fringe round the central corolla tube. They are often, but not always, sweetly scented. The [[fruit]] is a long narrow [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]] 5-23 cm long, which splits open at maturity to release numerous downy [[seed]]s.

In the past, scented plants were sometimes treated as a distinct species ''N. odorum'', but the character is not constant and it is no longer regarded as a separate taxon.

==Cultivation and uses==
[[Image:Purity.jpg|left|thumb|Flower bud of a white-flowered cultivar]]
[[Image:Oleander June 2007-1.jpg|thumb|Buds of Nerium oleander. From [[Lisboa]], [[Portugal]] ]]
Oleander grows well in warm subtropical regions, where it is extensively used as an [[ornamental plant]] in landscapes, parks, and along roadsides. It is drought tolerant and will tolerate occasional light frost down to -10°C (Huxley et al. 1992). It can also be grown in cooler climates in greenhouses, conservatories, or as indoor plants that summer outside. Oleander flowers are showy and fragrant and are grown for these reasons. Over 400 [[cultivar]]s have been named, with several additional flower colours not found in wild plants having been selected, including red, purple and orange; white and a variety of pinks are the most common. Many cultivars also have double flowers. Young plants grow best in spaces where they do not have to compete with grass for nutrients.

==Toxicity==

Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants and contains numerous toxic compounds, many of which can be deadly to people, especially young children. The toxicity of Oleander is considered extremely high and it has been reported that in some cases only a small amount had lethal or near lethal effects (Goetz 1998). The most significant of these toxins are [[oleandrin]] and [[neriine]], which are [[cardiac glycoside]]s (Goetz 1998). "Cardiac glycocides are naturally occurring" plant or animal compounds "whose actions include both beneficial and toxic effects on the heart" (Desai 2000). They are present in all parts of the plant, but are most concentrated in the [[sap]], which can block out receptors in the skin causing numbness. It is thought that Oleander may contain many other unknown or un-researched compounds that may have dangerous effects (Inchem 2005). Oleander bark contains [[rosagenin]] which is known for its [[strychnine]]-like effects. The entire plant including the milky white sap is toxic and any part can cause an adverse reaction. Oleander is also known to hold its toxicity even after drying. It is thought that a handful or 10-20 leaves consumed by an adult can cause an adverse reaction, and a single leaf could be lethal to an infant or child. According to the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS) in 2002 there were 847 known human poisonings in the United States related to Oleander (Watson 2003). There are innumerable reported suicidal cases of consuming mashed oleander seeds in southern India. In animals, around 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight is lethal to many animals, and various other doses will affect other animals (Inchem 2005). Most animals can suffer a reaction or death from this plant.

===Effects of poisoning===
Reactions to this plant are as follows. Ingestion can cause both gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. The gastrointestinal effects can consist of nausea and vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, [[diarrhea]] that may or may not contain blood, and especially in [[horse]]s, [[horse colic|colic]] (Inchem 2005). Cardiac reactions consist of irregular heart rate, sometimes characterized by a racing heart at first that then slows to below normal further along in the reaction. The heart may also beat erratically with no sign of a specific rhythm. Extremities may become pale and cold due to poor or irregular circulation (Goetz 1998). Reactions to poisonings from this plant can also affect the [[central nervous system]]. These symptoms can include drowsiness, tremors or shaking of the muscles, [[seizures]], collapse, and even [[coma]] that can lead to death (Goetz 1998). Oleander sap can cause skin irritations, severe eye inflammation and irritation, and allergy reactions characterized by [[dermatitis]] (Goetz 1998).

===Medical treatment required===
Poisoning and reactions to Oleander plants are evident quickly, requiring immediate medical care in suspected or known poisonings of both humans and animals (Goetz 1998). Induced vomiting and [[gastric lavage]] are protective measures to reduce absorption of the toxic compounds. Charcoal may also be administered to help absorb any remaining toxins (Inchem 2005). Further medical attention may be required and will depend on the severity of the poisoning and symptoms.

Drying of plant materials does not eliminate the toxins. It is also hazardous for animals such as [[sheep]], [[horse]]s, [[cattle]], and other grazing animals, with as little as 100 g being enough to kill an adult horse (Knight 1999). Plant clippings are especially dangerous to horses, as they are sweet. Symptoms of a poisoned horse include severe diarrhea and abnormal heartbeat. There are a wide range of toxins and secondary compounds within Oleander, and care should be taken around this plant due to its toxic nature. Different names for Oleander are used around the world in different locations (see top of page); so when encountering a plant with this appearance, regardless of the name used for it, exercise great care and caution to avoid ingestion of any part of the plant, including its sap and dried leaves or twigs. Do not use the dried or fresh branches for spearing food, in preparing a cooking fire, or as a food skewer. Many of the Oleander relatives, such as the Desert Rose ([[Adenium]] obesum) found in East Africa, have similar leaves and flowers and are equally toxic.

===Trunk oil===
While the reasons are unknown, some visibly healthy oleander shrubs that have become sick or otherwise diseased may generate a type of oil from the trunk and shallow roots. Depending upon the size of the shrub, the oil quantity can vary greatly and has the capability to saturate the soil in its vicinity as the shrub's sickness progresses. This is possibly an explanation for the plant's name of "Olea", whose Latin translation is "oil". The oil is light-brown colored and possesses a rancid scent. The toxicity of the oil is unknown, because the neuro-toxic chemicals in the rest of the tree come from the leave's vein-system and not from the pulp surrounding these veins. There is even a species of large, green caterpillar which feeds specifically on oleanders and survives by eating only the pulp surrounding the leaf-veins, avoiding the fibers.

==Potential medical use==
[[Pliny the Elder]] in his ''[[Naturalis Historia]]'' written [[circa]] AD [[77]] claimed that despite its toxicity it was an effective snakebite cure[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plin.+Nat.+24.53]: ''"...if taken in wine with [[rue]]..."'' .

Despite a lack of any proven benefits<ref>[http://www.asco.org/portal/site/ASCO/menuitem.34d60f5624ba07fd506fe310ee37a01d/?vgnextoid=76f8201eb61a7010VgnVCM100000ed730ad1RCRD&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=10&abstractID=2077 Phase I Study of Anvirzel<SUP>TM</SUP> in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. - ASCO]</ref>, a range of Oleander-based treatments are being promoted on the Internet and in some [[alternative medicine]] circles, drawing a warning letter from the [[FDA]] in the [[US]].<ref>[http://www.fda.gov/cder/warn/mar2000/dd030500.pdf Anvirzel Letter]</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of plants poisonous to equines]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External Links==
{{Commons|Nerium oleander}}
* [http://www.oleander.org/toxic.html Information on Oleander toxicity], ''International Oleander Society''
* [http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant52.htm Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets], ''Cooperative Extension Service, Purdue University''
* {{cite web|
url=http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Nerium&SPECIES_XREF=oleander&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK=|
work=Flora Europaea|
title=Nerium oleander L.|
author=Pankhurst, R. (editor)|
publisher=Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh|
accessdate=2005-11-26
}}
* {{cite web|
url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200018424|
work=Flora of China|
title=Nerium oleander L.|
author=Bingtao Li, Antony J. M. Leeuwenberg & D. J. Middleton. |
publisher=Harvard University|
accessdate=2005-11-26
}}
* {{cite web|
author=Barcelona|
url=http://www.jardibotanic.bcn.es/22_6_eng.htm|
title=Barcelona Botanic Gardens - Plants of North Africa|
publisher=Ajuntament de Barcelona|
work=Jardín Botánico de Barcelona|
year=2005|
accessdate=2005-11-26
}}
* {{cite book|
author=Huxley, A.|
coauthors=Griffiths, M. & Levy, M. (eds.)|
year=1992|
title=The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening|
publisher=Macmillan|
id=ISBN 0-333-47494-5
}}
* {{cite web|
author=Knight, Dr. A. P.|
url=http://www.vth.colostate.edu/poisonous_plants/report/report_detail_1.cfm?ID=334|
title=Guide to Poisonous Plants: Oleander|
publisher=[[Colorado State University]]|
year=1999|
accessdate=2005-11-18
}}
* {{cite web|
author=Goetz, Rebecca. J.|
Coauthors=Jordan Thomas N.,McCain, John W.,Su, Nancy Y.|
work=[http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/cover1.htm Indiana Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets]| url=http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant52.htm|
title=Oleander|
publisher=Cooperative Extension Service, [[Purdue University]]|
year=1998|
accessdate=2005-10-23
}}
* {{cite web|
author=Erwin, Dr Van den Enden|
work=[http://www.itg.be/itg/DistanceLearning/LectureNotesVandenEndenE/index.htm Illustrated Lecture Notes on Tropical Medicine]|
url=http://www.itg.be/itg/DistanceLearning/LectureNotesVandenEndenE/47_Medical_problems_caused_by_plantsp6.htm|
title=Medical problems caused by plants: Plant Toxins, Cardiac Glycosides|
publisher=[[Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine]]|
year=2004|
accessdate=2005-10-23
}}
*{{cite web|
url=http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/plant/pim366.htm|
title=Nerium oleander L.(PIM 366)]|
publisher=IPCS [[Inchem]]|
author=Inchem|
year=2005|
accessdate=2005-10-23
}}
* {{cite web|
author=Desai, Dr Umesh R|
url=http://www.people.vcu.edu/~urdesai/car.htm#Cardiac%20Glycosides|
title=Cardiac glycosides|
publisher=[[Virginia Commonwealth University]] School of Pharmacy|
year=2000|
accessdate=2005-11-19
}}
* {{cite journal|
author=Watson, William A., et al|
url=http://www.aapcc.org/Annual%20Reports/02report/Annual%20Report%202002.pdf|
title=2002 Annual Report of The American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System|
journal=The [[American Journal of Emergency Medicine]] (ISSN 0735-6757)|
volume=21|
issue=5|
month=September|
year=2003
}}
*[http://www.snopes.com/horrors/poison/oleander.htm Snopes], Legend of Oleander-poisoning at Campfire
* {{cite web|
url=http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Oleander_Leaf.asp?sitearea=ETO "Oleander"|
title=American Cancer Society|
accessdate=2007-03-22
}}

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 |Min Temp Num=-10
 |Temp Metric=°C
 |min_zone=9
 |max_zone=11
@@ Line 39: / Line 40: @@
 [[Image:Nerium oleander wild2.jpg|thumb|170px|right|Oleander shrub, Morocco]]
 It is native to a broad area from [[Morocco]] and [[Portugal]] eastward through the [[Mediterranean region]] and southern [[Asia]] to [[Yunnan]] in southern parts of  [[China]].<ref name=Europa>[http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Nerium&SPECIES_XREF=oleander&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK= Pankhurst, R. (editor). ''Nerium oleander'' L. ''Flora Europaea''. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Retrieved on 2009-07-27.]</ref><ref name=China>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200018424 Bingtao Li, Antony J. M. Leeuwenberg, and D. J. Middleton. ''Nerium oleander'' L. Flora of China. Harvard University. Retrieved on 2009-07-27.]</ref>
-<ref name=Inchem>[http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/plant/pim366.htm  INCHEM (2005). ''Nerium oleander'' L. (PIM 366). International Programme on Chemical Safety: INCHEM. Retrieved on 2009-07-27]</ref><ref name=Huxley>Huxley, A.; Griffiths, M.; Levy, M. (eds.) (1992). The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-47494-5.</ref> It typically occurs around dry stream beds. It grows to 2-6 m tall, with spreading to erect branches. The [[leaf|leaves]] are in pairs or whorls of three, thick and leathery, dark green, narrow lanceolate, 5-21&nbsp;cm long and 1-3.5&nbsp;cm broad, and with an entire margin. The [[flower]]s grow in clusters at the end of each branch; they are white, pink, red or yellow, 2.5-5&nbsp;cm diameter, with a deeply 5-lobed corolla with a fringe round the central corolla tube. They are often, but not always, sweetly scented. The [[fruit]] is a long narrow [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]] 5-23&nbsp;cm long, which splits open at maturity to release numerous downy [[seed]]s.
+<ref name=Inchem>[http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/plant/pim366.htm  INCHEM (2005). ''Nerium oleander'' L. (PIM 366). International Programme on Chemical Safety: INCHEM. Retrieved on 2009-07-27]</ref><ref name=Huxley>Huxley, A.; Griffiths, M.; Levy, M. (eds.) (1992). The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-47494-5.</ref> It typically occurs around dry stream beds. It grows to 2-6 m tall, with spreading to erect branches. The [[leaf|leaves]] are in pairs or whorls of three, thick and leathery, dark green, narrow lanceolate, 5-21 cm long and 1-3.5 cm broad, and with an entire margin. The [[flower]]s grow in clusters at the end of each branch; they are white, pink, red or yellow, 2.5-5 cm diameter, with a deeply 5-lobed corolla with a fringe round the central corolla tube. They are often, but not always, sweetly scented. The [[fruit]] is a long narrow [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]] 5-23 cm long, which splits open at maturity to release numerous downy [[seed]]s.
 [[Image:Purity.jpg|left|thumb|170px|right|Flower Bud of a White-flowered Cultivar]]
@@ Line 45: / Line 46: @@
 Oleander is one of the most [[List of poisonous plants|poisonous plants]] in the world and contains numerous toxic compounds, many of which can be deadly to people, especially young children.
 ==Cultivation==
@@ Line 52: / Line 55: @@
 Potted plants do not like frequent repotting.
 ===Propagation===
 For exact clones of the parent variety, cuttings are required. In spring or summer, take a 15 cm cutting without flowers and place in water. When roots reach 3 cm, it can be potted up. After it is established it can be planted in the garden. It will grow very quickly under the right conditions, and may flower the same year. Seeds can be planted as well, for new varieties.
 ===Pests and diseases===
@@ Line 115: / Line 122: @@
 ==References==
 *{{wplink}}
 *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{SPlantbox
 |genus=Nerium
 |species=oleander
 |Temp Metric=°F
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 |image_width=240
 }}
 {{Inc|
 Nerium oleander, Linn. (N. lauriforme, Lam.). Oleander. Rose Bay. (Another plant called "Rose Bay" is Epilobium angustifolium.) Fig. 2476. Lvs. in 2's or 3's, lanceolate: appendages of the anthers scarcely protruding; segms. of the crown 3—4-toothed. Medit. region, Orient. Gn. 51, p. 81 (fine trees in vases). A.F. 10:265 (Bermuda shrub with a spread of 25 ft.). L.B.C. 7:666 (var. Loddigesii, with a variegated fl. and the appendages entire, ovate and obtuse). N. album, N. atropurpureum, N. carneum and N. roseum, Hort., are doubtless varieties. The plant is common in subtropical and tropical countries, sometimes planted in hedges, and sometimes runs wild.

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:32, 19 February 2010
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		+	{{SPlantbox
		+	\|genus=Nerium
		+	\|species=oleander
		+	\|Temp Metric=°F
		+	\|jumpin=If this plant info box on watering; zones; height; etc. is mostly empty you can click on the edit tab and fill in the blanks!
		+	\|image=Upload.png
		+	\|image_width=240
		+	}}
		+	{{Inc\|
		+	Nerium oleander, Linn. (N. lauriforme, Lam.). Oleander. Rose Bay. (Another plant called "Rose Bay" is Epilobium angustifolium.) Fig. 2476. Lvs. in 2's or 3's, lanceolate: appendages of the anthers scarcely protruding; segms. of the crown 3—4-toothed. Medit. region, Orient. Gn. 51, p. 81 (fine trees in vases). A.F. 10:265 (Bermuda shrub with a spread of 25 ft.). L.B.C. 7:666 (var. Loddigesii, with a variegated fl. and the appendages entire, ovate and obtuse). N. album, N. atropurpureum, N. carneum and N. roseum, Hort., are doubtless varieties. The plant is common in subtropical and tropical countries, sometimes planted in hedges, and sometimes runs wild.
		+	}}
		+
	{{Plantbox		{{Plantbox
	\| name = ''Nerium oleander''		\| name = ''Nerium oleander''

@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 | species = oleander
 }}
-Oleander thrives best in warm summer climates where winters are mild.  Growth is moderate/fast.  Natural habit is broad with many stems, but training it to [[tree form]] is easy. It is very useful as windbreak, privacy screen, along roads, in tubs. The leaves are dark green and leathery, narrow, 5-21 cm long and 1-3.5 cm broad, and with an entire margin. Plant and leaves are attractive year round.  There is a variegated form with golden margins on the leaves.
+Oleander thrives best in warm summer climates where winters are mild.  Growth is moderate/fast.  Natural habit is broad with many stems, but training it to [[tree]] form is easy. It is very useful as windbreak, privacy screen, along roads, in tubs. The leaves are dark green and leathery, narrow, 5-21 cm long and 1-3.5 cm broad, and with an entire margin. Plant and leaves are attractive year round.  There is a variegated form with golden margins on the leaves.
 Flowers at the end of branches come in clusters, each flower is 2.5-5 cm diameter. The long bloom period from spring to fall is one of the reasons for its popularity, with the extreme drought tolerance being another. Many cultivars have scented flowers, coming in red, pink, white salmon and yellow.  Double flowers are less common than single. Single flowers fall off after finishing, while double flowers turn brown and remain until trimmed off.

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 | common_names = Oleander
 | growth_habit = shrub (small tree)
-| high = most 8-12 ft.
+| high = 2-6 m
-| wide = most 8-12 ft.
+| wide = 2-5 m
 | origin = [[Mediterranean]] to [[China]]
 | poisonous = highly poisonous
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 | water = drought tolerant to regular
 | features = flowers
-| hardiness = 15[[Fahrenheit|°F]] (-9[[Celsius|°C]])
+| hardiness = -10[[Celsius|°C]]
 | bloom = spring to autumn
-| usda_zones = 8-11
+| usda_zones = 9-11
 | sunset_zones = 8-16, 18-31
 | color = IndianRed
@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 | species = oleander
 }}
-Thrives best in warm summer climates where winters are mild.  Growth is moderate/fast.  Natural habit is broad with many stems, but training it to [[tree form]] is easy.  Very useful as windbreak, privacy screen, along roads, in tubs.  Leaves are dark green and leathery, narrow, 4-12in.  Plant and leaves are attractive year round.  There is a variegated form with golden color in the leaves.
+Oleander thrives best in warm summer climates where winters are mild.  Growth is moderate/fast.  Natural habit is broad with many stems, but training it to [[tree form]] is easy. It is very useful as windbreak, privacy screen, along roads, in tubs. The leaves are dark green and leathery, narrow, 5-21 cm long and 1-3.5 cm broad, and with an entire margin. Plant and leaves are attractive year round.  There is a variegated form with golden margins on the leaves.
-Flowers at the end of branches come in clusters, each flower is 2-3 inches across.  The long bloom period from spring to fall is one of the reasons for the Oleanders popularity (with the extreme drought tolerance being another).  Many varieties have scented blooms, coming in red, pink, white salmon and yellow.  Double flowers are less common than single.  Single flowers fall off after bloom, while double flowers turn brown and remain until trimmed off.
+Flowers at the end of branches come in clusters, each flower is 2.5-5 cm diameter. The long bloom period from spring to fall is one of the reasons for its popularity, with the extreme drought tolerance being another. Many cultivars have scented flowers, coming in red, pink, white salmon and yellow.  Double flowers are less common than single. Single flowers fall off after finishing, while double flowers turn brown and remain until trimmed off.
-Extremely poisonous plant if ingested.  In case it is ingested, vomiting should be induced, and immediate treatment sought.  Do not use trimmed branches for barbecues or fires.
+Oleander is an extremely poisonous plant if ingested. In case it is ingested, vomiting should be induced, and immediate treatment sought. Do not use trimmed branches for barbecues or fires.
 ==Cultivation==
@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 | notes =
 }}
-Need regular water until established, then extremely drought tolerant, though regular water is fine with them any time.  Very forgiving of bad or salty soil.  Shade causes leggy growth and stunts blooming, as does fog.
+It needs regular water until established, then extremely drought tolerant, though regular water is fine with them any time. It is very tolerant of bad or salty soil.  Shade causes leggy growth and stunts blooming, as does fog.
 Prune to control size and shape in the early spring.  Old wood should be removed, branches may be cut to ground.  Unwanted suckers should be hand pulled, not cut, for best control.  Pinching or pruning of grow tips can help keep height down.  Cut branches exude a milky sap (poisonous as well!).
@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 ===Propagation===
-For exact clones of the parent variety, cuttings are required.  In spring or summer, take a 6 inch (15cm) cutting without flowers and place in water.  When roots reach 1.5 inches (3cm), you may pot it.  After it is established you can plant it in the garden.  It will grow very quickly under the right conditions, and may bloom the same year.  Seeds can be planted as well, for new varieties.
+For exact clones of the parent variety, cuttings are required. In spring or summer, take a 15 cm cutting without flowers and place in water. When roots reach 3 cm, it can be potted up. After it is established it can be planted in the garden. It will grow very quickly under the right conditions, and may flower the same year. Seeds can be planted as well, for new varieties.
 ===Pests and diseases===
 *Oleander caterpillars can eat much of the plants leaves.
-*Greenflies may appear in warm/dry spring weather, attacking tender buds.  They are yellow or ocher and suck the sap from tender buds, weaken them, and make them sticky.  Mineral oil with insecticide is effective.
+*Greenflies may appear in warm/dry spring weather, attacking tender buds.  They are yellow or ochre and suck the sap from tender buds, weaken them, and make them sticky.  Mineral oil with insecticide is effective.
 *Cochineals - like scabs that stick to leaves/buds.  These also make plant sticky and can be treated with insecticide.
 ==Cultivars==
-Nerium oleander is the only species in the Nerium genus.  The following is a list of selected named cultivars:
+''Nerium oleander'' is the only species in the genus ''Nerium''.  The following is a list of selected named cultivars:
-*'Sister Agnes' - single white flowers.  Very vigorous, to 20ft.
+*'Sister Agnes' - single white flowers.  Very vigorous, to 6 m.
-*'Mrs. Roeding' - double flowers, salmon/pink.  to 6ft, with smaller leaves.
+*'Mrs. Roeding' - double flowers, salmon/pink, to 2 m, with smaller leaves.
 *'Hawaii' - single salmon/pink.
-*'Petite pink' - easily pruned to 3 ft. not as cold hardy as others.
+*'Petite pink' - easily pruned to 1 m, not as cold hardy as others.
-*'Petite salmon' - easily pruned to 3 ft. not as cold hardy as others.
+*'Petite salmon' - easily pruned to 1 m, not as cold hardy as others.
 *List of some very hardy varieties, between dwarf and regular size plants in size:
 **'Algiers' - deep red
 **'Casablanca' - white
-**'Ruby Lace' -bright red, 3in flowers with wavy edges
+**'Ruby Lace' -bright red, 6 cm flowers with wavy edges
 **'Tangier' - soft pink
-*'Marrakesh' - red.  5-7ft.
+*'Marrakesh' - red. 1.5-2 m.
-*'Morocco' - white. 5-7ft.
+*'Morocco' - white. 1.5-2 m.
 ==Gallery==

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 | sunset_zones = 8-16, 18-31
 | color = IndianRed
-| image = Nerium oleander flowers leaves.jpg
+| image = Oleander-5432.jpg
 | image_width = 250px
 | image_caption = ''Nerium oleander'' in flower
@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 Image:Purity.jpg|Flower bud of a white-flowered cultivar
 Image:Oleander June 2007-1.jpg|Buds of Nerium oleander. From [[Lisboa]], [[Portugal]]
 </gallery>