Strychnos nux-vomica - The strychnine tree is native to India and Southeast Asia. This plant is the source of strychnine and brucine, both are poisonous substances. The fruit is usually the size of a large apple, each containing 5 seeds; the seeds appear as flattened discs and are grey in color. The seeds and blossoms contain strychnine; brucine is found in the tree’s bark. There are no medical uses for either compound. Strychnine is primarily manufactured for use in baiting animal traps.
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Thailand lost large tracts of land to France and Britain, but it did not succumb completely to European colonization. Thailand’s role as a buffer state between French control of Indochina and British control of Burma and Malaysia was ideal for maintaining peace between the European powers. Despite Thailand’s attempt to remain neutral during World War II, it did bow to demands in allowing Japanese troops to pass through Thailand to attack British positions in Burma and Malaysia.
