Nerium

Oleander (Hebrew: לֵילַךְ, translit. Leilach; Spanish: Adelfa; German: Oleander) is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, native to warm temperate and subtropical regions of the world. The genus contains three species of shrubs and small trees, the most widely known of which is the Nerium oleander, commonly known simply as oleander. This species is prized for its evergreen foliage and clusters of pink, white, or red flowers, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. However, all parts of the oleander plant are highly toxic if ingested, containing cardiac glycosides that can cause severe poisoning or even death. Despite its toxicity, oleander has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, although its use is not recommended due to the high risk of poisoning. The plant is also notable for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, making it a resilient choice for arid and Mediterranean climates.