Thevetia neriifolia also known as Thevetia peruviana

Common Names:  Yellow Oleander, Cook Tree, Be-still Tree and Lucky Nut

Thevetia neriifolia, with common names of 'Yellow Oleander', 'Cook Tree', 'Be-still Tree' and 'Lucky Nut', is generally classed as a shrub but can grow to around 3.5 metres. It does look like a yellow oleander, as one of its common names suggests, and the leaves are a similar shape. Like the common oleander it is very toxic, in fact every part of it is toxic, so choose carefully where you would plant it preferably in a spot where it is out of everyone's way

Having said that it is a fast growing  attractive plant which likes the heat of the summer. The flowers are sweetly perfumed and bell shaped in a lovely apricot-yellow colour. They come into bloom in early June for a very long period, sometimes right up until November.  The fruits ripen in September and it is good advice to remove them quickly if there are children around and wash your own hands very well afterwards. 

The shrub is often found growing in gardens and as a street shrub or tree, preferring a well drained site and out of any strong winds as their root system is very shallow. It should grow up to about 300 metres elevation but not above that as it is frost sensitive and over that height you can get quite low night temperatures in the winter.

Not only are all parts toxic but it also has a milky sap which can be an irritant and cause dermatitis and blistering.  It is part of the landscape here in Cyprus so enjoy it  but from a distance!