Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Gentianales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Apocynaceae
Genus
Nerium L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Nerium oleander L.
Vernacular Name(s):
Oleander; Rose-bay
 Description

Much-branched shrub to c. 4 m high. Lvs shortly petiolate; lamina 8–15 × 1–2.5 cm on flowering shoots, to c. 25 × 4 cm on vegetative suckering shoots, narrow-elliptic or linear-elliptic, coriaceous, puberulent beneath, especially in stomatal pits; lateral veins numerous, parallel and conspicuous below. Infl. puberulent, peduncles and pedicels reddish. Calyx 5–8 mm long, densely puberulent, reddish purple; lobes acuminate. Corolla 3.5–5 cm long, pink or rose, shining red in bud; tube ampliate; lobes 2.5–3 cm long, obovate, slightly asymmetric; corona deeply laciniate. Fls sometimes semi-double; single fls with densely pilose stamen awns c. 1 cm long. Frs uncommon, to c. 18 cm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Mar.

 Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Stewart, J. 1971: Plants in New Zealand Poisonous to Man. New Zealand Department of Health, Wellington.
Weeds Key – interactive key to the weed species of New Zealand