What is Cerbera?

named for the deadly three -headed dog Cerberus in Greek mythology, the genus Cerber is a group of small evergreen trees. The species comes from parts of Asia, Australia and the islands of the Western Pacific. Although Cerbera trees can be attractive with their dark green leaves, white flowers and fruit, the whole plant is poisonous. The tree produces toxin cerberin, which can stop the heart and is difficult to detect in dissects. Cerbera seeds have been used for murder and suicide over the years.

There are fewer than 15 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees that are relatively similar. Different species are found in Asia, Australia, Madagascar and some islands in the Western Pacific Ocean. At least one kind, Cerbera Manghs , was brought to Hawaii as a decorative tree. The trees keep their shiny, dark green, alternating leaves throughout the year. Trees also produce white flowers and some bear fruits such as a type of cerbera floribunda that is commonly called Cassowars plum, because southern cassowary bird is the only animal that can eat fruit.

Cerbera is named after Cerberus, the three main dog of Greek mythology that guarded the gate into the underworld, because all parts of the plant are toxic. Even the use of wood for fire can produce poisonous smoke. The tree contains a dangerous toxin cerberin, a chemical that blocks electrical impulses and can stop the heart. Cerberin is similar to digoxin located in Foxglove.

One variety, Cerbera resist , is actually commonly called a "suicide tree". The seeds in his fruit have been used for years as a poison in India, Asia and Madagascar. Before the 19th century, the seeds were popular methods of guilt. The general belief was that those who were innocent would not die if they had taken seeds, just like the idea of ​​soaking witches.

Cerbera seeds are still used in IndiaAs a poison, because the taste can be covered with spices and chemicals is difficult to detect by dissection. Some scientists speculate that the use of Cerbera for murder may be unnoticed if the plant is not appropriate. While Western scientists can recognize Foxglove poisoning, Cerber poisoning can be unidentified without direct evidence that the victim has eaten the plant.