Cerbera is a genus of evergreen trees or shrubs, native to tropical Asia, Australia, Madagascar, and various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

They are perennial trees or shrubs growing up 30 m (98 ft) high, the branches with conspicuous leaf scars.

[4]: 569 The genus is most closely related to Cerberiopsis Vieil., Thevetia L. and Cascabela Raf..[4]: 569 The genus is named after Cerberus, a three-headed dog in Greek mythology, because all the species are poisonous — they contain cerberin, a cardiac glycoside, a substance that blocks electric impulses in the body (including the beating of the heart).

Therefore, it is advised to avoid using wood from Cerbera species due to their toxicity, and as their smoke may cause lethal poisoning.

The following is a list of all six species in this genus that are accepted by Plants of the World Online as of 6 September 2023[update] [1]