The finale of HBO’s The White Lotus was quite shocking. There were tragic deaths, closer friendships, surprise cash payouts and one big twist involving a very dangerous fruit.
Now in its third season, The White Lotus remains one of the most talked-about shows on TV. Each season takes viewers to a new luxury resort with a fresh cast.
But that deadly fruit shown in the finale was it real?
Is the suicide tree fruit real?
Yes, it is. While TV shows often make things up, the so-called suicide tree (also known as the pong pong tree) is very real and very dangerous.
This tree is known in Southeast Asia for being extremely poisonous. It’s been linked to thousands of deaths and definitely lives up to its scary nickname.
What is the Pong Pong tree?
The pong pong tree belongs to the dogbane family, which includes many poisonous plants. It grows in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and northern Australia.
The tree’s poison, called cerberin, is found mostly in the seeds inside its fruit. Even a small amount can be deadly, although some people have survived it.
As forensic science professor Hilary Hamnett explains, how the poison affects someone depends on things like their age, weight, health, and sex.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
When she’s not writing, Olekanma enjoys immersing herself in a good book, exploring new cuisines, and discovering new cultures.