Oleander flower

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Context:

• Two Kerala government-controlled temple boards have banned use of oleander flowers (locally known as arali) in temple offerings after a 24-year old woman died after accidentally chewing some oleander leaves.

What is oleander?

• Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander or rosebay, is a plant cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
• In Kerala, the plant is known by the names of arali and kanaveeram.
• It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium, belonging to subfamily Apocynoideae of the dogbane family Apocynaceae.

Uses:

• It is known for its drought tolerance.
• The shrub is often used for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
• It is grown along highways and beaches as a natural, green fencing.
• IUCN status: Least Concern

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/kerala-banned-oleander-flowers-temple-offerings-9320431/