The irresistible Lucky Nut
THE Lucky Nut, whose scientific name is Thevetia, is an attractive evergreen tropical shrub, or small tree, with lovely yellow flowers which are between two and three inches (five to seven cm) long, and grow in clusters at the ends of the branches.
The plant bears willow-like glossy green leaves, which are covered in waxy coating to reduce their water loss. It is a member of the Apocynaceae (a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee) family, and is of the peruviana (per-u-vee-AN-uh) species, being a close relative of the Nerium Oleander; hence it shares the common name of the Yellow Oleander.
This native of central and southern Mexico, Central America and South America is most popular in the West Indies.
The Lucky Nut obtained its name from André Thévet (1502-1590), a French missionary who collected plants in South America.
A characteristic feature of the Lucky Nut is that it is usually a rich, bright shade of yellow, although there is a peach-coloured variety as well.
The plant also has gently overlapping petals forming a funnel shape, with a deep centre containing pollen and nectar. It produces a sweet fragrance which bees and butterflies cannot resist.
The nuts growing on the tree planted in your yard are reputed to bring good luck.
The Lucky Nut is generally seen as a good landscape plant because of its attractive appearance, and the fact that it is relatively easy to cultivate.
It is often used as a hedge, screen, or border plant, and being a tropical plant, does well in a sunny location. The plant can be propagated from woody stem cuttings.
Ideally, the Lucky Nut should be planted in well drained soil, and be allowed to dry out a bit between watering, which should be regular but not excessive.
The plant can be lightly pruned to maintain shape after it has completed  flowering.
The Lucky Nut, with its eye-catching funnel-shaped flowers, is on sale at local horticulturalists:  Flower Paradise, Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, Tel# 233-3029.