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Nerium oleander L.
| Family Name: | Apocynaceae |
| Common Name: | Oleander, Rose Bay, Rose Laurel, Dog Bane, Scented Oleander, South Sea Rose, Sweet Oleander, Bunga Anis, Bunga Jepun, 欧洲夹竹桃 |
Name
| Family Name | |
| Genus Epithet | |
| Species Epithet | |
| Name Authority | |
| Name Status (botanical) | |
| Common Names |
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Cultivated in the Mediterranean |
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Large woody shrub, up to 6 m tall but usually about 1.5 - 3 m, can be pruned into small tree. |
| Foliage | Leaves glossy and thick, with prominent mid-rib. Leaves lanceolate, arranged in pairs or whorls of 3 along woody stem. |
| Flowers | Flowers fragrant, bright red and showy, 5 petals, in terminal clusters. |
| Fruits | Fruits are small narrow capsules, drooping and pod-like, split when dry to release fluffy seeds. Seeds dispersed by wind. |
| Cultivation | Cultivated along roadsides and in parks in Singapore. Able to grow in both dry and wet conditions. |
| Etymology | Genus name derived from Greek 'nerion' meaning moist, as plant likes moist soils. Species epithet 'oleander' refers to leaves which resemble olive leaves. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal ( One of the glycosides, oleanderin, used to treat patients with heart problems. Decoction of bark and leaves grounded in oil used to treat skin diseases. Leaves boiled in water and drank to cure malaria, induce abortions and reduce swellings. Flowers used to relieve headaches.) |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Flowers), Ornamental Flowers |
| Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Poor Infertile Soils, Dry Soils / Drought, Well-Drained Soils |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Toxic Upon Ingestion, Weak Branches |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Cut surfaces secrete cream-coloured latex containing toxins called glycosides. All parts are poisonous, even when dried. Ingestion can cause adverse gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. Avoid planting at areas within reach of children. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Caterpillar Food Plant |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Type 1 | Dehiscent Dry Fruit |
Image Repository
| Images |
Others
| Master ID | 970 |
| Species ID | 2264 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
