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Green Cestrum or Cestrum Nocturnum?
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Posted by Lucia_58 (My Page) on Thu, Jun 23, 05 at 4:31
| I am in need of advice. I have identified a plant in my garden (about 3m tall) as a member of the cestrum family, but I am not sure which. I have read that green cestrum has berries which go from green to black, but the berries on mine are small and go from green to white, and I think it may be cestrum nocturnum.
I have also read that these plants are toxic to animals and humans, but I can't find out to what extent. I am in the process of removing this plant from my garden, and I have cut half of it down already! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Green Cestrum or Cestrum Nocturnum?
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| Well green cestrum is a weed and it doesn't grow here so can't comment on the seed colour. Cestrum nocturnum certainly has white seed and it can be a weed too though a highly fragrant plant. You could always keep one seedling in a pot and cut off the seeds before they ripen. |
RE: Green Cestrum or Cestrum Nocturnum?
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| I have a Cestrum nocturnum in my garden and I just love the strong sweet scent given off at night. I have not had any experience of this species being a pest although other Cestrums certainly are. If you are worried about its toxicity there is a website (can't remember its name) that you can search by putting in the plant's name. This will give you the toxicity of the plant. Andrew. |
RE: Green Cestrum or Cestrum Nocturnum?
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Hi Lucia,
I believe it is the berries of the cestrum which are toxic. I can understand your concern especially if you have children around, as they are somewhat attracted to berries.
Unfortunately there are so many plants which have parts that are toxic to people and/or animals (even some we grow in the vegie garden). If we started removing them all, we may not have much left! lol.
I really think the best thing is to educate children as young as possible about the dangers of putting anything in their mouth in the garden (or anywhere else for that matter).
Still, if it bothers you, then dig it out!
Cheers,
Dee. |
RE: Green Cestrum or Cestrum Nocturnum?
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| Green cestrum is a declared noxious weed in Qld--its berries are black and very toxic ( in some shires it is mandatory to remove them because they poison stock )-- the leaves also smell like cats wee if crushed.. the flowers are sprays of small pale lemon colour and can smell nice at night.. They are very difficult to remove, drop their berries everywhere, which germinate freely, and send up suckers.. I hate them, and had nine ancient ones hanging over a dividing fence from a neighbour's side.Fortuneately the neighbour moved, and now there is only 1. |
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