Strychnine tree
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For the album by The Veils, see Nux Vomica.
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| Strychnos nux-vomica L. |
The Strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica L.) also known as Nux vomica, is an evergreen tree native to southeast Asia, a member of family Loganiaceae. It is a medium-sized tree growing in open habitats. Its leaves are ovate and 3.5 by 2 inches(~5 by 9 cm) in size.[1]
It is a major source of the highly poisonous alkaloids strychnine and brucine, derived from the seeds inside the tree's round, green to orange fruit. The seeds contain approximately 1.5% strychnine, and the dried blossoms contain 1.023%.[1] However, the tree's bark also contains poisonous compounds, including brucine.
