Nerium oleander Oleander (Apocynaceae) Evergreen shrub

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Nerium oleander
Oleander
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Nerium oleander plant species is found in S.W. Europe to E. Asia. It is a member of the Apocynaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Oleander. Some home gardeners know the variety as N. indica. N. odorum.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Nerium oleander
Common Name:  Oleander
Family:  Apocynaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The whole plant is very poisonous[1, 19, 65]. Skin contact with the plant can cause irritation whilst ingestion leads to death[200]. Death has been known to follow the use of the wood of this plant as a meat skewer[200].

Mature Height:  4   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  River banks and river gravels in Europe[50].

Medicinal Information: The leaves and the flowers are cardiotonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and sternutatory[7, 147, 218]. A deoction of the leaves has been applied externally in the treatment of scabies[7], and to reduce swellings[240]. This is a very poisonous plant, containing a powerful cardiac toxin[240], and should only be used with extreme caution[7, 147]. The root is powerfully resolvent. Because of its poisonous nature it is only used externally. It is beaten into a paste with water and applied to chancres and ulcers on the penis[240]. An oil prepared from the root bark is used in the treatment of leprosy and skin diseases of a scaly nature[240]. The whole plant is said to have anticancer properties[218].

For further Nerium oleander gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future