The Allamanda is a stunningly beautiful and extremely toxic
flower is native to Central and South America along with a known species in Australia. The name "allamanda" is
named after a Swiss botanist Dr. Frederich Allamanda. However, there are many regional names such as Yellow
Bell, Golden Trumpet or Buttercup Flower.
Allamandas likes to grow in full sun next to fresh water
with lots of consistent rain. Very sensitive to frost, the allamada does not like shade and can not grow in
salty or alkaline soils.
Consistently blooming shrub like plant an Allamanda is
fully capable of reaching heights more then 6½ feet. The leathery citrus like leaves are pointed and lance
shaped. The yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers are 2-3 inches in diameter. Though yellow is the most common color
for an Allamanda, there are other colors such as white, purple, pink or orange.
Some people think that allamanda flowers have a fruity
scent. Allamandas are used throughout the tropics as ornamental plants in peoples homes. In the city of
Canovanas, on the island of Puerto Rico, the Allamanda has been made the official flower of the
city.
Children and animals should never be allowed near an
allamandas plant because all parts of the plant contain Allamandin. If ingested, Allamandin can be deadly. The
sap inside an Allamanda will cause the development of rashes and sometimes blisters for non internal
contact.
As bad and gloomy as the toxic sap of the Allamanda plant
produces, certain types of Allamanda are noted for their medicinal properties. The same toxic milky Allamanda
sap is currently being looked at for antibacterial and even as a cancer treatment.