88 MISC. PUB. 882, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
BN—13207 
FIGURE 48.—Luckynut (Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum.) 
in shape, tapering to thin edges on all sides. They are fleshy and green 
when young, and turn yellow and finally black at maturity. The 
plants are smooth throughout and contain an acrid, milky sap; they 
may be propagated by seeds or cuttings. 
DistrisuTION AND Haprrratr.—Luckynut is commonly planted as 
an ornamental throughout the Virgin Islands. Though it has gone 
wild in a few places, it is seldom found except where it has been 
planted; plants may be found near dwellings, along streets, and in 
parks and other public places. The plants are drought tolerant and 
are found on all soils in all but the driest areas. Its feathery foliage, 
harmony of colors, tolerance to drought, wind, and salt spray, and its 
ease of establishment make luckynut popular as an ornamental. 
Toxiciry AND Symproms.—AII parts of luckynut contain two very 
deadly heart poisons—thevetin and theveresin (44, 46). The tree is 
