Page 32 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family: Boraginaceae
Echium, is a genus of around 68 excepted species of herbaceous
E.Aculeatum E.Albicans flowering plants and woody perennial shrubs. All plants of this genus are
toxic and have a medium to high toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poi-
soning, for humans and animals, especially grazing livestock, could be
loss of appetite, severe diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, liver dam-
age, death in livestock and occasionally humans. Some species like, E.
pininana and E. candicans are so toxic, on ingestion, you will need im-
E.Arenarium E.brevirame
mediate medical attention, while E. plantagineum, is deadly for grazing
animals. Although generally safe to handle, the plants sap can cause se-
vere skin irritation. Many Echium are believed to have medicinal prop-
erties, and some like, E.italicum, are even cooked and eaten. However,
always treat Echium plants with caution, wear gloves when handling
them and warn children of the danger they pose. Keep pets away from
them and never let them chew or scratch Echium plants.

Family: Adoxaceae
Sambucus is a genus of about 20-30 species of mostly fast-
S.Australasica S.Ebulus growing shrubs and herbaceous flowering plants commonly referred
to as Elders. All plants in this genus, if eaten raw, are toxic and have a
low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning can be, for
humans and animals, increased heart rate, extreme panting and
breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, possibly with
blood. The berries and flowers of the Elder plants are edible, but only
when cooked. Once properly cooked, they are often turned into per-
S.Cerulea S.nigra
fectly safe drinks and tasty snacks. Although considered safe to han-
dle, it’s always advisable to wear gloves when touching plants that
have the potential to harm you. Children should be warned of the dan-
ger these plants pose if eaten raw. Supervise pets when in their vicini-
ty, and never allow then to eat or chew any part of them.

Family: Araceae
Caladium is a genus of numerous large heart-shaped leaved
plants often referred to as elephant ears. All plants in this genus are
C.Bicolor C.aladium
toxic and have a low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poi-
soning for both humans and animals, can be, difficulty swallowing,
painful burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive drooling,
vomiting and diarrhoea. Contact with the skin, will result in skin irri-
tation so it’s always advisable to wear gloves when handling them. In
C.Vent their natural environment these plants can be found in light forested
areas and growing profusely along river banks. However, here in the
metropolis, their attractive leaf-display has made them popular
houseplants. If you have one in your care, you should keep it at a high
elevation or in a restricted area where it’s out of reach of children and
pets.