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Apocynaceae
Climbing Oleander
Strophanthus gratus
Exotic allure.
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Genus
- Strophanthus
- Native to
- Tropical West Africa
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- climbing shrub
- Height
- 15-25 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- rich, moist, well-drained
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 10-12
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The seeds contain ouabain, a cardiac glycoside that was historically used as an arrow poison in Africa.
- Despite the common name, it is not closely related to true oleander (Nerium) but shares the Apocynaceae family.
- The fragrant flowers have a sweet scent reminiscent of roses and can perfume an entire garden.
- Ouabain extracted from this plant was once used medically as a cardiac stimulant before synthetic alternatives were developed.
- In its native habitat, it climbs through rainforest canopy trees using its scrambling woody stems.
Color meanings
0
beauty
1
caution
2
fascination