pong pong tree

The pong pong tree, scientifically known as Cerbera odollam, is one of Asia's most poisonous plants. It is an attractive ornamental tree native to India and Southeast Asia, recognized for its abundant canopy and showy white flowers. The tree produces round, green fruits that mature to red and resemble apples or pears. Each fruit contains one or two large, bitter seeds that are highly toxic.1

The seeds contain a potent cardiac glycoside called cerberin, which acts on the heart. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a slow heart rate, and palpitations, potentially leading to death within hours, depending on the dose. Despite its toxicity, the pong pong tree is also known as the "suicide tree" due to its potent lethality. It is important to note that this plant is unrelated to the Tachigali versicolor, also called the suicide tree, which is found in Central America and is known for its unique life cycle of flowering and fruiting only once before dying.12