More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Gentians, Dogbanes, and Madders of Zihuatanejo
ORDER GENTIANALES
Be-still Tree *
Cascabela thevetia
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Gentians, Dogbanes, Madders, and Allies (Order Gentianales)
-Dogbane Family (Family Apocynaceae)
-Subfamily Rauvolfioideae
-Genus Cascabela
-Be-still Tree (Cascabela thevetia)
Cascabela thevetia is an upright, evergreen, tropical shrub or small tree in the Apocynaceae family. The plant is a native of the West Indies, Mexico and parts of Central and South America where, in native environments, will reach heights of 20 to 30 feet. It is toxic. The stems exude a milky sap when cut and all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
Description
• Cascabela thevetia, commonly known as yellow oleander, lucky nut, or be-still tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It has narrow, glossy, lance-shaped leaves arranged along green branches and produces showy, yellow, funnel-shaped flowers. Its fruits are fleshy and green when young, becoming darker as they mature. All parts of the plant contain potent cardiac glycosides and are highly poisonous if ingested, including the seeds, leaves, and sap.
Range
• Cascabela thevetia is native to tropical America, including Mexico and Central America, and is widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is cultivated and grows in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• This drought-tolerant plant thrives in warm, sunny environments, including dry tropical woodland, scrub, roadsides, gardens, and disturbed areas. It grows well in well-drained soils and tolerates heat and extended dry periods. Its bright flowers attract insect pollinators, and it is commonly planted as an ornamental shrub in tropical landscapes.