Strychnos nux-vomica

Strychnos nux-vomica
Illustration from Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen
Habitus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Loganiaceae
Genus: Strychnos
Species:
S. nux-vomica
Binomial name
Strychnos nux-vomica
Synonyms
  • Strychnos nux-vomica var. oligosperma Dop
  • Strychnos spireana Dop

Strychnos nux-vomica, the strychnine tree, also known as nux vomica, poison fruit, semen strychnos, and quaker buttons, is a deciduous tree native to India and to southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized tree in the family Loganiaceae that grows in open habitats. Its leaves are ovate and 5–9 centimetres (2–3.5 in) in size. It is known for being the natural source of the extremely poisonous compound strychnine.