Page 36 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Apocynaceae

Plumeria, also known as Frangipani, is a genus of numerous spe-
P.Alba P.Obtusa cies of deciduous shrubs or small trees, with a few flowering plants. All
plants in this genus are toxic and have a low to medium toxicity level.
Symptoms of toxic poisoning are similar for humans and animals and
will vary in intensity, depending on how much is consumed; small
amounts will be mild and could go unnoticed while large amounts will
incite, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite and stomach and intes-
P.Pudica P.rubra
tine discomfort. Contact with the plants sap will cause blistering and
skin irritation and contact with the eye, severe irritation and redness.
The sap from flowers cut for display could also affect other flowers in
the display. Wearing gloves is a must when handling these plants and
keeping children and pets away from them should be a priority.

Family:Amaryllidaceae
Garlic (Allium sativum) has around 50 species of bulbous flowering
plants in the genus Allium, which contains nearly 1000 species of mostly
A.Victorialis A.nigrum edible plants (RHS) such as, shallot, leek, chives and onions. A.sativum
(Garlic (Kew)) is generally safe for humans to consume in moderation,
though some people could have an allergic reaction. Taking Garlic with
some proscribed medication could also be dangerous. Animals, such as cats
and dogs, are vulnerable to the toxin in garlic, though cats are more so than
A.senescens A.oreophilum dogs. In general the symptoms of toxic poisoning are vomiting, diarrhoea
and lethargy. However, the toxin will also break down the animals red
blood cells which will induce fatigue and weakness, jaundice (yellowing of
the skin and eyes) dark urine, and enlarge the spleen or liver. If you sus-
pect your pet has eaten garlic or any Allium get veterinary help immediate-
ly.

Family:Apiaceae

Heracleum, is a genus of numerous biennial and perennial herbs
known as Hogweed. All the species of this genus are toxic to humans
H.Maximum H.Sosnowskyi
and animals and most like the Common hogweed have a low to medium
toxicity though some like the Giant Hogweed have a medium to high
toxicity. It’s the sap, found in all parts of the Hogweed that is the most
dangerous. Contact with the skin can cause serious burns and blisters
with exposure to sunlight intensifying the effect that could lead to the
skin being permanently scarred. The sap of the Giant Hogweed is the
H.Sphondylium H.Persicum
most potent and can do serious damage. If your pet eats or chews on
any part of the hogweed you should seek veterinary help immediately.
Properly prepared and cooked the hogweed plant can be eaten, howev-
er, always make sure you know what you are doing and you have the
correct plant. Never eat Hogweed raw.