Page 17 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Rosaceae

Prunus is a genus of numerous species of deciduous or evergreen
P.fruticosa P.glandulosa
flowering trees and shrubs. Most of the plants in this genus are toxic to
both humans and animals and have a toxicity level of medium to high,
though some like P.padus is believed non-toxic. The most toxic part of
these plants is the fruit seeds, leaves and twigs. However, toxicity varies
across species. While Cherry laurel and Wild cherry, are highly toxic,
P.speciosa P.tenella many are mildly toxic. Symptoms of toxic poisoning can be breathing
difficulties, anxiety and dizziness, convulsions, coma and in extreme cas-
es death. Contact with the skin could cause irritation and toxic absorp-
tion into the blood stream. If you have a Prunus shrub or tree in your
care, you should research its toxicity, otherwise treat it with caution.
Never allow animals to eat any part of it. Keep children away from it,
and always wear gloves when handling it.

Family:Araceae

A.commutatum A.costatum
Aglaonema is a genus of several species of evergreen perennial
flowering plants commonly known as Chinese Evergreens. All
plants of this genus are toxic and have a low to medium toxicity lev-
el. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for humans and animals, can be
swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, stomach irritation, vomit-
ing, and swelling of the upper airway and excessive drooling. Con-
A.simplex A.modestum
tact with the skin can cause irritation and blistering. Some Aglaone-
ma are popular house plants and are known to live for up to 30
years. They are also environment friendly, removing toxins from the
air. If you have one in your home you should keep it at a high eleva-
tion or in a restricted area where children and pets cannot access
them.

Family:Solanaceae

Alkekengi is a genus of, A.officinarum (formally of the genus Phy-
salis) an herbaceous perennial plant better known as the Chinese lan-
tern. It shares the genus with several variant species. This plant is toxic
and has a low to medium toxicity level. Its berries are particularly toxic,
though when ripe they are edible. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for both
humans and animals, could be a dry mouth, breathing distress, rapid
heartbeat, hallucinations and coma. It’s also very toxic to touch so you
should always wear gloves when handling it. Due to its toxicity, this eva-
sive plant should never be planted in open ground, as it spreads rapidly
underground. Always grow this toxic plant in some sort of container.
Children should be schooled in the danger it poses and pets should nev-
er be allowed to eat or chew any part of it.