Nerium oleander is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, toxic in all its parts. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. It is most commonly known as oleander, from its superficial resemblance to the unrelated olive Olea, but has many other names. It is so widely cultivated that no precise region of origin has been identified, though southwest Asia has been suggested.
The whole plant is very poisonous; Skin contact with the plant can cause irritation whilst ingestion of only one leaf has led to death in children; Death has been known to follow the use of the wood of this plant as a meat skewer;
The plant is used as a rat poison; The pounded leaves and bark are used as an insecticide;
A green dye is obtained from the flowers;
The plant is commonly used for informal hedging in the Mediterranean;
The leaves contain small amounts of latex that can be used to make rubber;
The plants have an extensive root system and are often used to stabilize soil in warmer areas;
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