Oleander Fragrant Flowering All Year Round

 

Oleander ornamental plant, sometimes also called rosebay. Origin: Mediterranean region, North Africa, and South Asia.

* Scientific Name: Nerium oleander

* Common Names: Oleander, Rose Bay, Nerium

* Type: Evergreen shrub

Characteristics:

* Flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, yellow, and even bi-colored varieties. The flowers are usually trumpet-shaped and grow in clusters at the ends of branches.

* Leaves: Long, narrow, and leathery. They are arranged in whorls of three along the stem.

* Toxicity: Oleander is highly toxic to humans and animals. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds that can cause severe symptoms if ingested. Symptoms include: nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, pale and cold extremities, dilated pupils, irregular heartbeat, lethargy, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, delirium (severe confusion and dazedness), and others.

Uses:

* Ornamental: Because of its beautiful, fragrant flowers. Oleander is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. In tropical areas such as Jakarta, Oleander can flower all year round.

* Traditional Medicine: Although poisonous, Oleander has been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, but it is important to note that its use can be very dangerous.

Watch the video of Oleander in the home garden:

Oleander is relatively easy to care for. It likes full sun and moist but not soggy soil, and it is tolerant of drought.

Always handle Oleander with care. Wear gloves when pruning or handling the plant, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Smelling the scent of Oleander flowers itself is basically harmless. However, it is important to remember that all parts of the oleander plant, including the flowers, are very poisonous. This means that ingesting any part of this plant, even in small amounts, can be fatal. Although just smelling the flowers is generally safe.

Important things to avoid:

* Swallowing any part of the plant: This includes the flowers, leaves, stems and sap.

* Burning the plant: The smoke from burning Oleander can also be toxic.

If you have any concerns about the Oleander plant, it is best to avoid handling it altogether or wear gloves if necessary. If you suspect someone has swallowed any part of the Oleander plant, seek medical attention immediately.