PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; provide midday shade in intensely hot tropical regions to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Requires warm tropical temperatures; cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 15°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, elliptical, glossy dark green leaves with smooth margins
- Flower: Small, creamy-white, fragrant clustered flowers
- Fruit: Round, orange-red berries containing highly toxic seeds
- Stem: Gray-brown, moderately textured bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry
Fertilization
Apply balanced organic fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid materials to avoid pest infestations and odorsPruning
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches in early spring to promote healthy growth
- Thin overcrowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Trim to maintain desired tree shape; avoid heavy pruning of mature specimens to prevent stress
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-listed toxic; ingestion leads to seizures, muscle rigidity, respiratory failure, and possible death
Humans: Contains strychnine and brucine alkaloids; ingestion causes severe neurological damage, potentially fatal without emergency care
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Highly regulated traditional medicinal use; ornamental cultivation in controlled, secure outdoor settings
