Many fans want to know more about The White Lotus Pong-Pong tree and its poisonous fruit that was featured throughout Season 3. From the very first episode, hotel worker Pam explains to the Ratliff family that the local Pong Pong tree has a large green-yellow fruit whose seeds are not safe to eat. That’s why locals in Thailand have dubbed the plant the “suicide tree,” which eventually becomes very important in the season finale (though we won’t spoil how).
What is The White Lotus fruit from the Pong-Pong Tree in the Season 3 finale?
The poisonous fruit in The White Lotus is called the othalanga, which comes from the Pong-Pong tree that is native across southeast Asia and parts of Australia.
The scientific name of the Pong-Pong tree, which grows about 12 meters in height, is Cerbera odollam. It has glossy green foliage and a rough greyish trunk. Its kernel contains two highly toxic seeds that contain cerberin, a chemical that causes nausea, vomiting, coma, nausea, headaches, and possibly death at high doses due to cardiac arrest. Specifically, it prevents the heart from using potassium and sodium properly.
As a natural toxin, these seeds were used throughout the 19th century in various countries like Madagascar in trials by ordeal, which were meant to supernaturally determine whether someone was guilty or innocent. Because the bitterness of the seeds can be covered up by spicy ingredients, it has also commonly used for poisonings. It is also responsible for a high number of suicides, which is how the Pong-Pong tree got its nickname.
On the upside, the seeds can also be used as a pesticide, insect repellant, and potentially bio-fuel. It also has white and yellow flowers, which is why the tree can be found as ornamental landscape in other non-native areas like Hawaii.
Series creator Mike White has provided some hints on where Season 4 might be set.
