Page 25 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Apiaceae

A.Caucalis
Anthriscus is a genus of 15 species of Old World annual herbs known
for their finely divided and often curly leaves. None are toxic to humans,
but are toxic to some animals, like dogs, cats, and horses. Animals touching
these plants could get skin rashes, blistering, and potential eye damage. All
plants in this genus are edible for humans; however, the oils of some like
Cow parsley and French parsley can be poisonous to humans if consumed
A.sylvestris
in excess. Anthriscus are not traditionally garden plants, but found in the
wild in meadows and on grassy verges, so anyone wanting to eat one, usual-
ly has to forage for it. However, this non-toxic genus has many very toxic
look-alike relatives like the Poison hemlock, hemlock water-dropwort,
Fool's parsley, and Giant hogweed. Always make sure you can identify the
plant you want, because, cook one of its relatives and the meal you cook will
probably be your last!

Family:Araceae
Arum is a genus of about 27 accepted species of herba-
ceous perennial flowering plants known as Arums or Arum lilies (not
A.Palaestinum A.creticum related to the true lilies of Lilium or the Arum lilies of Zantedeschia) All
plants in this genus are toxic, and have a low to medium toxicity level.
All parts of these plants, if eaten, are considered harmful, especially
their leaves, berries, and rhizomes. Symptoms of toxic poisoning for
both humans and animals could be, vomiting and diarrhoea, a burning
sensation, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and an upset
A.italicum A.nigrum stomach. Contact with the skin could cause blistering and a painful
burning sensation. These plants usually grow in the wild, around
hedgerows and in woodlands, and are not normally found in gardens.
The berries, when ripe, can pose a temptation for children to pick and
eat so they should be warned of the danger of eating them. Keep pets
away from these plants and always wear gloves when
handling them.

Family:Cucurbitaceae

The Courgette or Zucchini is one of around 18+ species of herba-
ceous fruits in the genus Cucurbita. It’s believed around five species of
this genus are non-toxic and are edible. Zucchini, popularly known as
Courgette (C.pepo), is one of those five edible species the others being
C.maxima, C.moschata, C.ficifolia, and C.argyrosperma. However,
problems can arise that can render Zucchini and the others toxic and
inedible. Growing problems, like lack of water or nutrient can stress the
plant, and trigger its toxic defence rendering the fruit bitter tasting and
poisonous. Cross pollination with wild plants is a common problem
which will always produce toxic fruit. Symptoms of toxic poisoning can
be, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and dizziness. Although toxic
and non-toxic fruit may look the same, never eat the fruit or drink its
juice if it’s bitter tasting; it’s a warning from the plant, ‘I am Poisonous’.