yellow oleander, be-still tree, lucky nut

Description:

Thevetia is is an evergreen tropical shrub or small tree from central Mexico south to Central America. It is a close relative of Nerium oleander, from which it gets one of its common names. It is also called "lucky nut" in the West Indies. In parts of the Asia-Pacific it is called a "be still" tree, owing perhaps to its deadly poison. Its leaves are willow-like, linear-lanceolate, and glossy green in color, and covered in waxy coating to reduce water loss.

Habitat:

Spotted growing in a town garden in the equatorial tropics of northern New Guinea.

Notes:

"All parts of the plant and especially the seeds are highly poisonous and contain toxic cardiac glycosides like Thevetin and Peruvoside that can cause severe illness or even death if ingested. The sap may cause skin irritation. Burning the wood or plant material can produce toxic smoke."