Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
giant thevetia
Family Name:
Apocynaceae
Botanical Name:
Cascabela thevetioides
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Giant thevetia is a large indeterminate shrub growing anywhere from 5-7m (15-20ft) tall and 2.5–3m (8-12ft) wide. It has willowy branches that start green but turn a silvery color as it matures. When damaged the stems release a milky white liquid that has cardiac glycoside that can irritate exposed skin. Its linear leaves are waxy, dark green, and grow from the tips of the branches. Starting in the late summer and going till the end of fall the bush has 10 cm (4 in) wide, bright yellow, bell shaped flowers, that can grow in bunches usually around 1-5 at the ends/tips of the branches. Flowers have a faint sent of honey and attract and utilize bees, birds and butterflies as pollinators. After pollination flowers fall off to reveal green pods that dry to black pods with one to two seeds inside. (1)
Compound:
Cas the
Geographic Origin:
Tropical America
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Cascabela thevetioides was named by a monk from France, André Thevet (1502-1592). On his travels through Brazil and Guiana saw and names the plant thevetioides that in essence translates to “Similar to the Thevetia” which is very true. Many people mistake the giant thevetia for the more common yellow oleander or Cascabela thevetia. (1)
Cultivation Notes:
The giant thevetia grows best in full sun, and warm tropical temperatures, but can survive down to -3C (27F). It requires moderate water, such that in the low desert of Arizona it will require consistent weekly watering unless supplied by a good rain event (1)(2).
Ethnobotany:
Most, if not all, of this plant is not safe to be ingested so be cautious of its accessibility to pets and young children. The giant thevetia is a beautiful ornamental that brings a tropical feeling to any surrounding. With its large vibrant flowers, and its unique visual texture from the leaves, it adds a wonderful diversity to any landscape (1).
Height:
16 - 20 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
