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Glite Dictionary
Thevetia neriifolia

Thevetia neriifolia

9.9
A small tropical tree with shiny dark leaves, bright yellow to orange flowers, and poisonous parts
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Thevetia neriifolia
  • The bright flowers of Thevetia neriifolia make it a popular ornamental plant in tropical regions.

Examples

  • Gardeners are advised to handle Thevetia neriifolia with care due to its poisonous sap.

  • All parts of Thevetia neriifolia are highly toxic if ingested.

  • The Thevetia neriifolia is known for its beautiful flowers.

  • Many gardeners admire the Thevetia neriifolia for its vibrant blooms.

  • All parts of Thevetia neriifolia are highly toxic if ingested.

  • Gardeners are advised to handle Thevetia neriifolia with care due to its poisonous sap.

  • The bright flowers of Thevetia neriifolia are attractive but should not be touched without gloves.

Synonyms

Thevetia peruviana
vsThevetia neriifolia
  • Specialized
9.9

A small tropical tree with shiny dark leaves and yellow flowers that is poisonous in all parts

is the same plant but listed under a different species label
yellow oleander
vsThevetia neriifolia
  • US
9.9

A tropical shrub or small tree with shiny green leaves and yellow flowers, all parts of which are highly poisonous

is the same plant but referred to by a different name form

Surface Forms

Thevetia neriifolia singular
Thevetia neriifolias plural

Morphology

Thevetia + neriifolia

The head 'Thevetia' is clearly a genus name meaning a type of toxic shrub/tree, so a learner who knows that can infer the phrase refers to a particular species of that plant. However, 'neriifolia' is a Latin botanical epithet (not in the learner dictionary) and does not convey its specific descriptive meaning to a B1 learner, nor does the full descriptive content (flowers, toxicity) follow from the parts, so the transparency is partial.

Etymology

Thevetia neriifolia may come from the name Thevetia, after a 1500s French explorer André Thevet, and the Latin neriifolia, meaning 'leaves like Nerium' the oleander. So the name points to a shrub with shiny, oleander-like leaves and bright flowers, which helps you remember it is a tropical plant whose parts are very poisonous.