This shrub has erect woody branches with poisonous sap and forms a dense irregular habit. It has leathery dark green elliptical leaves and the small fragrant white tube-shaped flowers appear in a cluster over the plant during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Acokanthera oblongifolia is naturally found in South Africa growing in well drained infertile light soils in an open sunny position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

Bushman`s Poison is grown for its upright bushy habit and profuse flowers. It is planted along borders for screening or against a wall as a specimen. It is suitable for coastal regions and establishes in 3-5 years and is moderately long lived. This shrub is also planted in perfume gardens and is grown for its autumn colour. Once established it will tolerate short periods of cold temperature down to 2ş C. ID 375

Acokanthera(a-ko-KAN-the-ra) oblongifolia(ob-long-gi-FO-lee-a)

Apocynaceae(a-pos-ih-NAY-see-ee)