Difference between revisions of "Nerium oleander"

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{{Taxobox
+
{{Plantbox
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| name = Oleander
+
| name = ''Nerium oleander''
 +
| common_names = Oleander
 +
| growth_habit = shrub (small tree)
 +
| high = most 8-12 ft.
 +
| wide = most 8-12 ft.
 +
| origin = [[Mediterranean]] to [[China]]
 +
| poisonous = highly poisonous
 +
| lifespan = perennial
 +
| exposure = heat and strong light
 +
| water = drought tolerant to regular
 +
| features = flowers
 +
| hardiness = 15[[Fahrenheit|°F]] (-9[[Celsius|°C]])
 +
| bloom = spring to autumn
 +
| usda_zones = 8-11
 +
| sunset_zones = 8-16, 18-31
 +
| color = IndianRed
 
| image = Nerium oleander flowers leaves.jpg
 
| image = Nerium oleander flowers leaves.jpg
 
| image_width = 250px
 
| image_width = 250px
 
| image_caption = ''Nerium oleander'' in flower
 
| image_caption = ''Nerium oleander'' in flower
−
| regnum = [[Plantae]]
+
| regnum = Plantae
−
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
+
| divisio = Magnoliophyta
−
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
+
| classis = Magnoliopsida
−
| ordo = [[Gentianales]]
+
| ordo = Gentianales
−
| familia = [[Apocynaceae]]
+
| familia = Apocynaceae
−
| genus = '''''Nerium''''' [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
+
| genus = Nerium
−
| species = '''''N. oleander'''''
+
| species = oleander
−
| binomial = ''Nerium oleander''
 
−
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
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.
  
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'''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.
+
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.
  
−
[[Image:Nerium oleander wild2.jpg|left|thumb|Oleander shrub, Morocco]]
+
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.
−
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==
 +
{{monthbox
 +
| color = IndianRed
 +
| name = Oleander
 +
| jan =
 +
| feb =
 +
| mar = prune
 +
| apr = flowering
 +
| may = flowering
 +
| jun = flowering
 +
| jul = flowering
 +
| aug = flowering
 +
| sep = flowering
 +
| oct = flowering
 +
| nov =
 +
| dec =
 +
| 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.
  
−
==Cultivation and uses==
+
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!).
−
[[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.
 
  
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==Toxicity==
+
Potted plants do not like frequent repotting.
  
−
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.  
+
===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.
  
−
===Effects of poisoning===
+
===Pests and diseases===
−
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).
+
*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.
 +
*Cochineals - like scabs that stick to leaves/buds. These also make plant sticky and can be treated with insecticide.
  
−
===Medical treatment required===
+
==Species==
−
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.
+
Nerium oleander is the only species in the Nerium genus. The following is a list of selected named cultivars:
  
−
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.
+
*'Sister Agnes' - single white flowers. Very vigorous, to 20ft.
 +
*'Mrs. Roeding' - double flowers, salmon/pink. to 6ft, with smaller leaves.
 +
*'Hawaii' - single salmon/pink.
 +
*'Petite pink' - easily pruned to 3 ft. not as cold hardy as others.
 +
*'Petite salmon' - easily pruned to 3 ft. 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
 +
**'Tangier' - soft pink
 +
*'Marrakesh' - red.  5-7ft.
 +
*'Morocco' - white. 5-7ft.
  
−
===Trunk oil===
+
==Gallery==
−
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.
+
<gallery>
 +
Image:Nerium oleander wild2.jpg|Oleander shrub, Morocco
 +
Image:Purity.jpg|Flower bud of a white-flowered cultivar
 +
Image:Oleander June 2007-1.jpg|Buds of Nerium oleander. From [[Lisboa]], [[Portugal]]
 +
</gallery>
  
−
==Potential medical use==
+
==References==
−
[[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]]..."'' .
+
*{{wplink}}
−
 
+
*Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608
−
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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
==See also==
 
−
* [[List of plants poisonous to equines]]
 
  
−
==References==
+
==External links==
−
{{Reflist}}
 
  
−
== External Links==
+
{{stub}}
−
{{Commons|Nerium oleander}}
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[[Category:Categorize]]
−
* [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)<!--This is the contact address, could't find good citation information-->|
 
−
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<!-- cannot identify a natural person-->|
 
−
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<!-- last modified 2005-11-10 -->|
 
−
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
 
−
}}<!-- Full date 1999-07-22 -->
 
−
* {{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<!-- -05-28-->|
 
−
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<!-- -06-06]-->|
 
−
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<!-- -05-26-->|
 
−
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<!-- -01-05--><!--web page last modified 2003-08-30-->|
 
−
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<!-- web version retrieved [[2005-11-19]] (scanned PDF) -->
 
−
}}
 
−
*[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
 
−
}}
 

Revision as of 01:33, 3 February 2009


Nerium oleander in flower


Plant Characteristics
Lifespan: ⌛ perennial
Origin: ✈ [[Origin::Mediterranean to China]]
Poisonous: ☠ highly poisonous
Cultivation
Exposure: ☼ heat and strong light"heat and strong light" is not in the list (sun, part-sun, shade, unknown) of allowed values for the "Exposure" property.
Water: ◍ drought tolerant to regular"drought tolerant to regular" is not in the list (wet, moist, moderate, dry, less when dormant) of allowed values for the "Water" property.
Features: ✓ flowers
Sunset Zones: 8-16, 18-31
Scientific Names

Apocynaceae >

Nerium >

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.

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.

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

Oleander calendar?
January:
February:
March: prune
April: flowering
May: flowering
June: flowering
July: flowering
August: flowering
September: flowering
October: flowering
November:
December:
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.

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!).

Potted plants do not like frequent repotting.

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.

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.
  • Cochineals - like scabs that stick to leaves/buds. These also make plant sticky and can be treated with insecticide.

Species

Nerium oleander is the only species in the Nerium genus. The following is a list of selected named cultivars:

  • 'Sister Agnes' - single white flowers. Very vigorous, to 20ft.
  • 'Mrs. Roeding' - double flowers, salmon/pink. to 6ft, with smaller leaves.
  • 'Hawaii' - single salmon/pink.
  • 'Petite pink' - easily pruned to 3 ft. not as cold hardy as others.
  • 'Petite salmon' - easily pruned to 3 ft. 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
    • 'Tangier' - soft pink
  • 'Marrakesh' - red. 5-7ft.
  • 'Morocco' - white. 5-7ft.

Gallery

  • Oleander shrub, Morocco

  • Flower bud of a white-flowered cultivar

  • Buds of Nerium oleander. From Lisboa, Portugal

References

External links

Retrieved from "http://gardenology.mywikis.net/w/index.php?title=Nerium_oleander&oldid=17160"