Cerbera odollam
Cerbera odollam
Cerbera odollam (pronunciation: /sɛrˈbɛrə oʊˈdɒləm/) is a dicotyledonous plant species in the family Apocynaceae. It is commonly known as the suicide tree or pong-pong.
Etymology
The genus name Cerbera is derived from Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Greek mythology, which is said to guard the entrance to the underworld. This is a reference to the plant's highly toxic nature. The species name odollam is of unknown origin.
Description
Cerbera odollam is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 15 meters tall. The leaves are simple, elliptical, and arranged spirally around the stem. The flowers are white and fragrant, while the fruit is a large, green drupe containing a single large seed.
Toxicity
The seeds of Cerbera odollam contain a potent cardiac glycoside called Cerberin, which is highly toxic if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular heart rhythm, and in severe cases, death.
Uses
Despite its toxicity, Cerbera odollam has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures. The seeds are used to treat skin diseases, while the bark is used for its analgesic properties. However, due to the high risk of poisoning, its use is generally discouraged.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cerbera odollam
- Wikipedia's article - Cerbera odollam
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