PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Thevetia peruviana
Yellow Oleander
(Pers.) K.Schum.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small evergreen tropical tree or large ornamental shrub featuring a smooth greyish bark and a dense canopy of narrow, linear, glossy green leaves. It produces striking, funnel-shaped or bell-like bright yellow to apricot-orange flowers and distinctive subglobose, angular green drupes that turn black upon maturity.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Gentianales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Apocynaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Thevetia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Pers.) K.Schum.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the Neotropics, spanning from Mexico through Central America and broad regions of South America, and widely naturalized in tropical areas globally. It thrives across dry to moist forests, disturbed open scrublands, riverbanks, and coastal sandy substrates, displaying extreme resilience against poor soils and semi-arid conditions.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Establishes permanent, long-lived fixtures within sunny open zones, pasture boundaries, and forest successional ecotones. It stays static, managing constant vegetative growth and taking advantage of its toxic unpalatability to displace native competitors in degraded plots.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
250.0 - 600.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Synthesizes an exceptionally potent milky latex enriched with cardenolides (such as thevetin A and B), acting as an unpalatable and highly lethal systemic deterrent against phytophagous insects and generalist herbivores.
Features narrow linear leaves covered with a thick waxy cuticle that effectively seals moisture, mitigating evapotranspiration losses during critical drought cycles or within high-salinity coastal environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Due to its wide ecological tolerance and highly adaptive weed-like nature, the species faces zero broad conservation threats. Instead, it frequently undergoes targeted eradication programs due to its extreme toxicity to livestock.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Every single part of this plant is dangerously toxic, particularly the large seeds known as 'lucky nuts'. Ingestion of even a minimal quantity can lead to severe cardiac disruptions or fatal poisoning in humans and mammals.