Rare Cerbera odollam,Suicide tree or Pong-pong evergreen tree

Appearance: Cerbera odollam is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to 10-15 meters in height. It has glossy, leathery leaves arranged spirally around the branches. The tree produces small, white, trumpet-shaped flowers with a strong, unpleasant odor.

Distribution: Native to coastal regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, Cerbera odollam is commonly found in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It typically grows in coastal forests, mangrove swamps, and other wetland habitats.

Toxicity: Cerbera odollam is infamous for its extreme toxicity. The seeds of the plant contain potent cardiac glycosides, particularly cerberin, which can cause severe poisoning and death if ingested. The toxicity of Cerbera odollam has led to its infamous reputation as the “Suicide tree” due to instances of its use in intentional poisonings. In many regions, access to the seeds of Cerbera odollam is restricted due to their lethal properties.

Uses: Despite its toxicity, Cerbera odollam has some traditional uses in certain cultures. In parts of Southeast Asia, extracts from the plant have been used in folk medicine for various purposes, although such uses are highly risky and not recommended due to the danger of poisoning.

Conservation: While Cerbera odollam is not considered endangered, it is subject to eradication efforts in some areas where it has been introduced as an invasive species. Additionally, measures are taken to prevent access to the seeds to minimize the risk of accidental or intentional poisonings.

Overall, Cerbera odollam is a highly toxic plant with a notorious reputation. Due to its lethal properties, it is not cultivated or recommended for ornamental or medicinal purposes, and precautions should be taken to avoid accidental exposure to its seeds or other plant parts.