Cerbera manghas aka Rubbertree

Cerbera manghas, or sea mango, is in the Apocynaceae family. This evergreen plant grows as a shrub or tree. Its native range includes Pemba, off the East African coast. The range spans the Indian Ocean and reaches the Pacific. It grows in the wet tropics, mostly on low ground. In the wild, it grows in woods by the coast. It also grows on beaches and along tidal river banks. In Madagascar, it grows in dry inland forests too. There, it reaches 492 feet [150 metres] above sea level.

Its listed height is about 33 feet [10 metres]. Larger trees can reach 82 feet [25 metres]. The trunk can reach about 2.3 feet [0.7 metres] across. Its parts give off white latex when they suffer damage. Cuts in the stems let out much of this toxic sap. The plant keeps its leaves all year. Its form ranges from a shrub to a medium-sized tree.

The scent of the flowers is like that of frangipani. The tree can bloom at any time of year. Gardeners grow it for its scent and striking fruit. People also use the fruit in flower displays. Despite its common name, sea mango has no known food uses. Its fruit is very poisonous, and its seeds pose greater danger. They contain hydrocyanic acid, thevetin, and cerberin. The last two are cardiac glycosides, which can harm the heart. These toxins can harm people and pose greater risks to dogs.

Grow it in full light and rich, moist loam. The soil should drain well and have added leaf mould. Its coastal home suggests it can stand some sea winds. This plant needs the warmth and damp of the tropics. You can grow new plants from seeds or cuttings. Seeds do not sprout in a steady or reliable way. Results may thus differ from one sowing to the next.

People gather wild plants for use in local folk medicine. They use them for heart complaints, skin disease, and head lice. These uses do not remove the grave risk of poisoning. Seed oil serves as lamp fuel and material for candles. The wood is easy to work but does not last well. Fungi that stain wood blue can harm it. Pressure treatment does not work well on this wood. Uses include veneer, indoor trim, mouldings, and fruit cases. Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands trade small amounts of the timber.