Page 31 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family: Araceae

D.Canariensis Dracunculus, is a genus containing two tuberous deciduous perennial plants,
Dracunculus canariensis and Dragon arum (Dracunculus vulgaris). Both have a
low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for humans and ani-
mals, can be excessive salivation, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, nausea, dizzi-
ness, severe mouth pain, sore throat and breathing problems. They are also toxic to
the touch. It has long hair like spikes protruding from its leaves. Get jabbed by one
D.vulgaris of these and it can give you a nasty irritating skin rash, so it’s crucial you wear
thick gloves when handling them. These plants give off a rather pungent aroma;
likened by many to rotting flesh. This smell however, has nothing to do with its
toxicity, it’s there to attract a certain kind of insect the plant needs for pollination.
Although not a particularly popular plant, if you have one in your care, you should
school children on the danger they pose, and keep your pet away from them, those
spike like hairs can easily penetrate their skin.

Family: Apiaceae

O.crocata O.Fistulosa Oenanthe, commonly known as Water-dropwort, is a genus con-
taining 33 accepted species of flowering plants. Most of the plants in this
genus are considered highly toxic and have a medium to high toxicity lev-
el. All parts of these plants, especially the roots and stems, are toxic.
However, some like, ‘O.crocata’ are listed as extremely dangerous, while
others like,’ O. javanica’, are arguably, in some areas, considered safe to
O.Fluviatilis O.silaifolia eat. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for humans and animals, can be pupil
dilation, salivation, teeth grinding, laboured breathing, walking difficul-
ties, convulsions and possible death. Skin contact with the sap, will cause
severe rashes and blisters, so it’s crucial to wear gloves when handling
them. Always warn children of the dangers these plants pose, and keep
pets away from them.
(The genus Cicuta has four plants, considered closely related to and often men-
tioned in association with Oenanthe)

Family: Aristolochiaceae
Aristolochia, known as the Dutchman's pipe is a genus of 500+
species of evergreen and deciduous woody vines and herbaceous per-
A.Arborea A.Baetica
ennials. All plants in this genus are toxic, especially the seeds, and
have a medium to high toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for
both humans and animals, could be kidney pain, swelling, and fa-
tigue, which could be the precursor to renal failure or damage, leading
to cancer. Handling the plant is generally safe; however, people with
sensitive skin could experience skin irritation and blistering. Due to
A.Californica A.Contorta their toxic nature many countries including the UK have banned
herbal remedies containing these plants, a testament to the danger of
cancer, should you ingest any part of them. These plants have been
closely related to the growth of cancer in humans, so it’s essential
children are schooled in the danger they pose and keep your pets
away from them.