Family: Apocynaceae
Common name: Suicide tree, Pong-pong. Othalam, Sea pong-pong, Yellow-eyed cerbera, Othalanga, Buta buta
Suicide tree or Pong-pong is commonly seen in South and Southeast Asian countries near riverbanks, sandy coasts, mangrove swamps, or waterbodies. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow quickly, producing white flowers and round green fruits.
Tree Characteristics
These trees grow to a height of 8-10 meters with a woody, erect, well-branched trunk that has a rough texture. Most parts of the plant exude a milky, white latex when cut, which is toxic if ingested.
The tree has a rounded, symmetrical canopy and is hence used for landscaping in coastal regions. Pong-pong trees are evergreen staying lush and vibrant throughout the year.
Leaves of the tree are large, shiny, and leathery, about 10-25 cm long, with a dark green upper surface and lighter-colored lower surface.
They are elliptical or lance-shaped with smooth margins. Leaves of the pong-pong tree also produce a milky latex and are toxic when consumed.
Pong-pong tree flowers are very pretty, white or creamy-white in color with a yellow center. And there is a variant with pinkish-red flowers. Flowers are funnel-shaped, about 5-7 cm in diameter with a sweet fragrance that attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Fruits of the pong-pong tree are large, smooth, round, about 8-10 cm in diameter. They are light green when young, turning yellowish-brown as they mature.
The outer surface is smooth and leathery, and the inner part has a kernel containing 2 seeds which is extremely toxic, a single seed enough to cause death in humans.
These seeds, that give the tree its name Suicide tree were used in trials by ordeal in olden days where those accused of crimes, especially witchcraft were made to eat the seeds.
If guilty, they would die and if innocent, they would be safe. But this caused many deaths because of the toxic seeds, until this practice was stopped.
The leathery texture and buoyancy of the fruits helps them float and are carried by the waves to distant shores where they can germinate and produce a new bunch of trees. This is one reason these trees are common seen in coastal countries around the Arabian sea and Indian ocean.
Gardening Tips
Pong-pong trees thrive in bright, direct sunlight and abundant rains. They prefer coastal areas near rivers, lakes, seas and other water bodies. These trees are tolerant of salt water and a variety of soil conditions.
Watering, pruning, and fertilization are needed only when the trees are saplings, after which their long roots can absorb water deep from the soil.
All parts of the plant are toxic including the latex, flowers, leaves, and stems, especially the fruits and seeds. So they should ideally not be grown in home gardens or urban landscapes. Keep them away from pets, and wear gloves while trimming or handling the tree.
These trees are closely related to Cerbera manghas or Sea mango, which has similar fruits and seeds that are toxic.
Medicinal uses
Pong-pong trees are said to have some medicinal uses in traditional herbal medicine, but I am choosing not to list them here due to the extreme toxicity of the tree. No parts of the tree should be consumed for any reason.
Ingesting can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, irregularities in heart beat, etc. and the person should be taken to a medical practitioner immediately. The poison can start affecting in a few minutes. So extreme urgency is needed in giving medical attention to anybody ingesting any parts of this tree.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Photographed at: Lunuganga, Sri Lanka
