Thevetia ahouai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thevetia ahouai |
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| Flower | |
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| Fruit are poisonous | |
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| Genus: |
Thevetia
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| Species: |
ahouai
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List
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Thevetia ahouai is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which includes many beautiful plants. This plant is a shrub or a small tree that stays green all year round. It can grow up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) tall.
Contents
About Thevetia Ahouai
Thevetia ahouai is known for its pretty flowers and interesting fruits. It is sometimes planted in cities because it looks nice.
Where It Grows
This plant is originally from several places in North and South America. You can find it naturally in:
- Mexico
- Central America
- Cuba
- Colombia
- Venezuela
It has also been brought to other parts of the world, like southeastern China. In some countries, like Nicaragua and Colombia, people plant Thevetia ahouai along streets. This makes it a popular "street tree."
What It Looks Like
Thevetia ahouai is an evergreen plant. This means its leaves stay green and do not fall off in autumn or winter. It grows in forests and can form a dense bush or a small tree.
Flowers and Leaves
The plant has bright, colorful flowers. These flowers are often yellow or orange. They can be a beautiful sight when the plant is in bloom. The leaves are long and narrow. They are a deep green color.
Fruits and Seeds
After the flowers, the plant produces fruits. These fruits are usually round or oval. They change color as they ripen. It is very important to know that the fruits of Thevetia ahouai are poisonous. This means you should never eat them or put them in your mouth. All parts of this plant, especially the seeds inside the fruit, can be harmful if eaten.
Why It's Important
Besides being a pretty plant, Thevetia ahouai is used in some places as a street tree. This means it helps make cities look greener and more pleasant. Like other plants, it also plays a role in its natural environment. It provides habitat for some animals and helps the ecosystem.
Safety Information
It is very important to remember that Thevetia ahouai is a poisonous plant.
- Never eat any part of this plant, especially the fruits or seeds.
- Do not touch your mouth or eyes after handling the plant.
- If you see this plant, enjoy its beauty from a distance.
- Always tell an adult if you accidentally touch or eat any part of an unknown plant.
