Thevetia

Thevetia is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. The genus comprises shrubs and small trees, native to the Americas. Species within Thevetia are commonly known as yellow oleanders or lucky nuts, though this common name is also applied to other plants. Thevetia species are characterized by their glossy, lance-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers, which are typically yellow or orange, although white and pink varieties exist.

The most well-known species is Thevetia peruviana, also known as yellow oleander. This species is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known for its attractive flowers and its medicinal uses, although all parts of the plant are considered toxic due to the presence of cardiac glycosides. Historically, various parts of Thevetia species have been used in traditional medicine for a range of ailments, but their toxicity necessitates extreme caution.

The genus Thevetia was described by Antoine Laurent de Jussieu ex Adolphe Theodore Brongniart and the description was published in Annales des Sciences Naturelles (Paris) in 1827. The name honors André Thevet, a 16th-century French explorer and botanist. While commonly referred to as oleander, Thevetia is not closely related to the true oleander, Nerium oleander, though both belong to the same family. Cultivation of Thevetia typically requires well-drained soil and full sun. Propagation is usually done through seeds or cuttings. Due to the plant's toxicity, it should be handled with care, and kept away from children and pets.