Page 12 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Brassicaceae

Rhamphospermum is a genus* of 4 species of flowering annual
R.arvense R.nigrum
plants. Although parts of these plants, like the raw seeds, are very
toxic they are considered to have a low toxicity level due to the large
amount needed to be eaten by the average adult before toxic poison-
ing is experienced. Symptoms of toxic poisoning can be stomach dis-
comfort, diarrhoea, drowsiness, breathing difficulties and in extreme
cases heart failure. Contact with the skin can cause blisters and skin
R. pubescens
damage; however, this requires a very long exposure to the skin be-
fore these effects are experienced. Being smaller, children are the
ones vulnerable to the toxic effects of these plants as they only need
to ingest a very small amount before being poisoned. They should be
told of the dangers and actively discouraged from going near these
plants. *(Black mustard formally of, Brassica nigra, syns Sinapis nigra)

Family:Campanulaceae
Isotoma is a genus of several species of annual and perennial
flowering herbs. All plants in this genus are toxic and have a low to
I. Petraea I. pusilla
medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for both humans
and animals, are vomiting, slavering or drooling, diarrhoea, and
stomach discomfort. Skin contact with the sap of these plants can
cause skin irritation and is thought to also cause blindness if it comes
in contact with the eyes. The Blue Star creeper, is believed to have
I. scapigera I. hypocrateriformis more serious poisonous effects than the other species, while, Wood-
bridge poison, is known to be very poisonous for grazing livestock.
Although most of this genus is believed to be low in the toxic scale, it’s
better, with any toxic plant, to err on the side of caution. Warn chil-
dren of the potential danger they pose. Supervise pets to make sure
they do not eat or chew the plant, and always wear gloves when han-
dling them.

Family:Cucurbitaceae

Lagenaria is a genus of six species of gourd-bearing vines,
L. Sphaerica L. Breviflora commonly known as Calabash or Bottle gourd. All species of this ge-
nus have a low to medium toxicity level and although, generally cit-
ed as safe for animals to eat, uncooked gourds can be poisonous if
eaten by them. Symptoms of toxic poisoning could be severe vomit-
ing, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, shock, and hypertension. Most of
their fruit or gourds can be cooked and eaten when young, but when
L. Guineensis L. Abyssinica mature they are very toxic and are usually treated as ornamental or
shaped and carved into various objects, like utensils or musical in-
struments. However, even when cooked, never eat it or drink its
juice if there is a hint of a bitter taste. The bitter taste is a warning.
Always warn children of the bitter taste and as a precaution always
sample cooked gourd or juice before giving it to young children. If
you suspect toxic poisoning get medical help immediately.