The Strychnine tree  is a deciduous tree native to India , southeast Asia. It is a medium-size tree growing in open habitats. Its leaves are ovate and 2–3.5 inches (5.1–8.9 cm) in size. [ 1 ] It is a major source of the highly poisonous alkaloids strychnine and brucine , derived from the seeds inside the tree's round, green to orange fruit. The seeds contain approximately 1.5% strychnine , and the dried blossoms contain 1.023%. [ 1 ] However, the tree's bark also contains brucine and other poisonous compounds.

Strychnine is a medium-sized tree with a short thick trunk. The wood is dense, hard white, and close-grained. The young shoots are a deep green color with a shiny coat. The leaves have an opposite arrangement, short stalked, are oval shaped, also have a shiny coat and are smooth on both sides. The leaves are about 4 inches (10 cm) long and 3 inches (7.6 cm) wideThe flowers are small with a pale green color with a funnel shape. They bloom in the cold season and have a foul smell. The fruit are about the size of a large apple with a smooth and hard shell which when ripened is a lovely orange color. The meat of the fruit is soft and white with a jelly-like pulp containing five seeds covered with a soft woolly substance. The seeds have the shape of a flattened disk completely covered with hairs radiating from the center of the sides.

Strychnine is a deadly poison with a lethal dose to humans of about 30 to 120 mg. The powder made from the strychnine seeds was used to alleviate indigestion. In folk medicine it is used as an appetite stimulant.