Page 39 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Papaveraceae
C.Asiaticum
Chelidonium, is a genus of 2 species – Greater celandine and Asian Cel-
andine – of herbaceous perennial flowering plants, popularly known as Celan-
dines. Both species are toxic and have a low to medium toxicity level. Symp-
toms of toxic poisoning, for both humans and animals, are excessive saliva-
tion, frequent urination, diarrhoea, depression and drowsiness. There is also
some evidence that the toxins can cause liver damage in humans. All parts of
C.majus these plants are toxic, with the sap, if ingested, being highly toxic. Although
it’s believed safe to handle these plants, this is only true if the leaves and stems
are not broken or torn. Damaged parts of the plant will release its sap and if it
should come in contact with the skin will cause irritation and painful blister-
ing. It’s always safer to wear gloves when handling them. Children should be
warned of the danger they pose and pets should be actively discouraged from
going near them, and never allowed to eat or chew any part
of them.

Family:Solanaceae
Hyoscyamus is a genus of 31 species of flowering plants popularly
H.Albus H.aureus
known as the Henbanes. All plants of this genus are toxic and have a
low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, in both hu-
mans and animals can be, salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rap-
id pulse, headaches, and convulsions. Eating large amounts, could lead
to coma and death. Handling henbanes can also result in severe skin
rashes, so it’s advisable always to wear gloves when handling them.
H.muticus H.niger
Although eating the henbane raw can result in serious convulsions, its
powerful toxin has been adapted by the medical profession, so now, in
its altered state, it can be used to reduce and stop convulsions. Also,
witches have long been fans of the henbane toxin, using it to send them
into a trance-like state during their rituals.

Family:Amaryllidaceae

H.Aulicum H.calyptratum
Hippeastrum, (amaryllis) is a genus of numerous hybrids and
cultivated species, of herbaceous perennial bulbous plants. All plants
of this genus are toxic with their bulbs being the most potent. They
have a low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for
both humans and animals, can be vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, skin
irritation, convulsions, low blood pressure and tremors. Although con-
sidered safe to handle without gloves, people with sensitive skin could
H.Cybister H.ferreyrae
experience severe skin irritation. However, when handling plants with
the potential of being harmful, it’s always best to wear gloves. Many of
these plants, especially ‘amaryllis’, are popular indoor plants. If grown
indoors these plants should be kept at a high elevation, out of reach of
both children and pets, or in an area inaccessible to them.