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January 8, 2010

Strange But True!

Q. What's the story behind the heart-stopping “Cerbera odollam” tree of Kerala, India?

A. Named after Cereberus, the hound of Hades of Greek mythology, its narrow, dark green leaves resemble the common oleander, says Amy Stewart in “Wicked Plants.” Sprays of starry white flowers release a perfume as sweet as jasmine. Its fleshy, green fruits are like small unripe mangoes, except that the white nut meat contains enough cardiac glycoside to stop the heart within three to six hours!


 
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