Riyadh Plants
Be-Still Tree, Yellow Oleander
At first sight this shrub is often mistaken for an oleander, which is its most popular relative. Indigenous to tropical America this plant became known as Yellow Oleander to all frost-free regions worldwide. In late spring until autumn it grows funnel-shaped, fragrant flowers in yellow, salmon or orange about 5 to 8 cm in size. Inflorescences attract butterflies and scattered blooming occurs the rest of the year. A variety called ‘Alba’ shows white flowers that contrast well to the lush green foliage. The leaves are lanceolate and often pendulous with a glossy surface measuring about 15 cm in length. Odd-shaped, bulky pods are green at first to turn red and black when ripe. They grow two nut-like seeds which readily germinate. The other method of propagation is semi-mature cuttings planted in late summer. For best appearance the soil should be well-drained and fertile with frequent irrigation. Nevertheless it takes full sun, heat, salinity and even drought. In cultivation Yellow Oleanders remain shrubs some 3 m high while they may grow as small trees to 6 m in their homeland or under ideal conditions. In some regions it is considered invasive. A very common and useful shrub in Riyadh it is easy to grow and always has a lush appearance. They can be planted in containers, as flowering hedge or trained as a specimen tree. Heavy pruning is taken and results in rejuvenated, lush growth. Wounds exude milky latex that irritates the skin. The entire plants contains toxic substances that might be used medically to cure toothache or as a purgative.
