Oleander at the Alhambra

A very popular plant in Andalucia is the Oleander. It is the perfect plant for the climate. Dense clusters of white or pink flowers appear on the oleander from May until October. It is hot and cold resistant and and doesn't need much water. It can tolerate very poor soil and likes lots of hot sun. It is also used along the motorways and other areas that require screening from noise and pollution.

Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants in the world. Ingesting any part of this plant can be deadly, especially for children. A single ingested oleander leaf can kill a child. Even smoke from burning oleander can be fatal. In Sri Lanka oleander is reportedly a favorite suicide agent but if you look at the long list of awful symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, burning around the mouth, confusion, dizziness etc. you would think they could find a more comfortable way to die.