If you’ve binged your way through season three of The White Lotus, chances are you’ve Googled ‘weird tropical fruit that can kill you’ at least once.
This season, set in Thailand, delivers its signature satirical take on wealth, relationships and revenge — as well as multiple key details that leave us trying to piece together the puzzle as the storyline progresses.
One of these is the Cerbera odollam fruit, also known as the ‘pong pong’ or ‘suicide’ tree. Without giving too much away, it plays a key role in the web of secrets and schemes that unfold in season three — and conveniently grows around the Ratliff family’s villa.
But what exactly is it, and does its ominous nickname track? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Cerbera odollam — and where does it grow?
Native to South and Southeast Asia as well as parts of coastal Queensland, Cerbera odollam is a tropical tree that loves humid environments. So, that includes riverbanks and mangrove swamps.
On the surface, it’s like any other tropical tree — tall and leafy with white flowers tinged with pink or yellow, and a green fruit that looks a bit like a mango or apple.
However, this is not something you’d want to blend into your morning smoothie. Hidden inside the seed is a highly toxic compound called cerberin, which can be deadly.
Why is it called the ‘suicide tree’?
Cerbera odollam gets its grim nickname from its history. In southern India, particularly in the state of Kerala, the plant has been used for centuries in suicides and, disturbingly, in murders that often go undetected.
Because cerberin is difficult to trace in post-mortem toxicology, poisonings can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed, earning the plant another moniker: the ‘perfect murder weapon’.
Just one seed can be fatal if ingested. Cerberin disrupts the electrical signals in the heart, leading to a slow and painful death, symptoms that mimic natural cardiac arrest. Research suggests that most suicide tree poisoning cases will result in death in as little as four hours after consuming it.
Is it legal to grow or own Cerbera odollam?
In Australia, Cerbera odollam grows naturally in the wild in parts of Queensland, though it’s not common in residential gardens due to its toxicity. Some regions in Asia plant it as an ornamental tree because of its hardy nature and pretty foliage — often unaware of its dangerous potential.
There are no specific restrictions on owning the tree in Australia, but experts strongly advise against planting or handling it without proper knowledge. Like many toxic plants, it’s best admired from a safe distance.
Could it be used for good?
Surprisingly, yes! Researchers have explored potential uses for Cerbera odollam’s compounds in controlled doses, including as a natural pesticide and even in cancer treatment. There’s also interest in turning its seeds into biodiesel.
Even still, next time you spot a green fruit hanging from a tropical tree, your best bet is not to touch it. And definitely don’t eat it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, support is available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. You can also find resources at Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au) or call 1300 22 4636
