Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊlɪˌandə] (IPA) 
The word "oleander" is spelled with the letter combination "ea" in the middle, which is pronounced as a long "e" sound. The first syllable "o" is pronounced with the same sound as in the word "go". The last syllable "der" sounds like "dur". Therefore, the IPA phonetic transcription of "oleander" is /oʊˈliːændər/. Oleander is a poisonous shrub native to the Mediterranean region and is valued for its beautiful, fragrant flowers.
Oleander refers to a flowering shrub or small tree scientifically known as Nerium oleander, belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to a vast geographic region encompassing the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. The term "oleander" can also refer generically to plants within the Nerium genus.
This evergreen species is renowned for its captivating display of showy, funnel-shaped flowers, which can range in color from white to pink, red, or yellow. The leaves are narrow, elongated, lance-shaped, and glossy, giving the plant a vibrant, lush appearance. However, it is important to note that despite its aesthetic appeal, oleander is highly toxic. All parts of the plant, including the flowers, leaves, and sap, contain toxic compounds known as cardiac glycosides, which can be harmful or even fatal if ingested.
Due to its hardiness, oleander is a highly popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes across different regions of the world. It can withstand harsh conditions such as drought, salt exposure, and high temperatures, making it suited for coastal areas or arid climates. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and is relatively low-maintenance, being resistant to various pests and diseases. Therefore, oleanders are often used as hedging plants, privacy screens, or as standalone features, contributing to the visual appeal of many gardens and public areas.
The bark and leaves of Nerium oleander, a shrub of the eastern Mediterranean, diuretic and heart tonic in doses of gr. 1/4-1/2 (0.015-0.03) of an extract.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A beautiful evergreen shrub, having clusters of fragrant white or red flowers; the rose-bay.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "oleander" originates from the Late Latin term "oleander" which is derived from the ancient Greek word "ródeandron". The Greek term is a combination of "ródon", meaning "rose", and "déndron", meaning "tree". This name was given to the plant due to its beautiful blooms that resemble roses. Over time, the word "óleandron" in Late Latin transformed into "oleander" in English.
