Page 11 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Primulaceae

P.obconica P.vulgaris Primula is a genus of around 500 species of herbaceous
flowering plants. This genus is represented by, not only a large
number of species, but equally by even a larger number of culti-
vars. This makes it difficult to assess which is toxic and which is
not. Some species, like P.vulgaris and P.auricula,(Bear’s ear) are
said to be safe for humans but toxic for animals like cat’s dogs
and horses, while P.obconica is said to be toxic for both humans
P.alpicola P.borealis and animals. However, even the edible species are known to
cause a toxic reaction in children and some adults, especially
those with an allergy to the primrose. If you have no experience
with these plants but have some in your care, then treat them
with caution. Until you seek expert advice, never eat any part of
them, and always wear gloves when handling them.

Family:Dioscoreaceae
D.communis D.bulbifera
Dioscorea is a genus of over 600 species of flowering vines or
yams. All the plants of this genus, when raw are toxic and have a low
to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of poisoning, for both humans
and animals, are vomiting, diarrhoea, skin irritation, painful blisters,
and contact dermatitis. However, when prepared, usually through
D.balcanica D.chouardii cooking, most species are edible. The exceptions are several plants
like D. elephantipes which require a traditional cooking technique, if
you don’t know this technique, these plants will remain toxic. Black
bryony (D.communis) is one of a group that remains toxic even after
cooking and should never be eaten. If you have one of these plants in
your care but are unsure of its toxicity research it using its scientific
name. Other than that, treat it with caution, never eat any part of it
and always wear gloves when handling it.

Family:Fabaceae
R.neomexicana R.pseudoacacia Robinia, is a genus of 10 species of flowering deciduous trees
and shrubs, commonly known as Locust or Black locust. Except for
their flowers, which are edible, all plants in this genus are toxic and
have a low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning
for both animals and humans could be abdominal pain, diarrhoea,
weakness, kidney and liver damage, anorexia, depression, inconti-
nence, colic, and cardiac arrhythmia. Contact with the skin can
R. viscosa R. hispida cause severe skin irritation and blistering. Horses and grazing live-
stock are particularly vulnerable to the toxins in these plants, and
children, due to their small stature, can have a severe reaction if
they ingest even the smallest amount. If you have one of these
plants in your care or know of one’s location you should school chil-
dren on the danger it poses, keep any pets away from it, and always
wear gloves when handling it.