Oleander

This huge oleander hides at the end of an alleyway in the village.

Oleanders grow everywhere in gardens, parks and roadsides here because they don't need watering in hot weather and they are evergreen. They flower all summer long, pink, red or white flowers with an almond scent. The whole plant is extremely poisonous.

It is said that the oleander got its name because when Leander was drowned swimming the Hellespont to meet his lover Hera, she found him clutching a flower and said 'Oh, Leander!' It's a romantic story, but it seems more likely to me that it is because of its oily leaves that it is called Nerium oleander (olea = olive).