Water
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Also known as Buhman' Bush · Bushman's Arrow Poison · Bushman's Poison-Bush
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Bushman's-Poison (Acokanthera oppositifolia) is an evergreen shrub from southern Africa, featuring glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers, and toxic dark berries. It is highly poisonous.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade.
100% intensity
Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
Water when top inch of soil is dry, reduce in winter.
100% intensity
Avoid waterlogging.
Well-draining, fertile soil. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred.
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures.
100% intensity
Avoid frost.
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season.
100% intensity
Do not over-fertilize.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage bushier growth. Avoid pruning after flowering to allow for fruit development.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seeds can be sown in spring, but germination may be slow and erratic. Requires warm conditions.
Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bushman's-Poison (Acokanthera oppositifolia)
Where Bushman's-Poison (Acokanthera oppositifolia) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Acokanthera |
| Species | Acokanthera oppositifolia |
Similar in genus Acokanthera
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
