Page 40 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Sapindaceae

Aesculus is a genus of around 19 species of flowering trees and
A.Assamica A.Indica
shrubs called Horse chestnuts. All plants in this genus are toxic – es-
pecially their seeds (Conkers), leaves and bark – and have a low to me-
dium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for both humans and
animals, could be stomach and intestine problems, vomiting, diar-
rhoea, dizziness, nausea, and a severe itching sensation. Although,
cats, dogs and grazing livestock are vulnerable to the toxic effects of
A.Californica A.Flava the conker; foraging wild animals, like deer and squirrels, can safely
eat it. Humans cannot eat the conker, but they can eat the Sweet
Chestnut seed, the trouble is they look remarkably similar. There are
many cases of toxic poisoning of people who have mistakenly eaten the
wrong seed. Always treat these plants with caution, supervise children
and pets when near them, and if you intend to eat Sweet chestnut
seeds always double check the seed.

Family:Hydrangeaceae

H.anomala H.febrifuga Hydrangea is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering
plants commonly named the Hortensia. All plants of this genus are
toxic with the flowers, leaves, and buds the most potent. They have
a low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning for
both humans and animals could be, vomiting, diarrhoea, and an
upset stomach. Although there are reports that consuming hydran-
geas could be fatal; to achieve this fatal dose, requires ingesting a
H.hirta H.arborescens huge amount of raw material. Contact with the skin, could cause a
rash, irritation and possibly, people with sensitive skin, could con-
tract contact dermatitis. Hortensia’s are very popular display
plants, but due to their toxic content should be treated with a de-
gree of caution, like always wearing gloves when handling them
and never eating or putting any part of them near your mouth.

Family:Iridaceae
Iris is a genus of numerous species of flowering perennial plants.
I.albertii I.Albicans
All plants in this genus, especially their bulbs and rhizomes, are toxic
and have a low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning
for humans and animals; are burning in the mouth and throat, ab-
dominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, vomiting, muz-
zle sores, bleeding of the stomach and intestines. Handling the plants
could result in severe skin irritation. The iris is used widely through-
I.Attica I.pumila out many industries like, the perfume industry for fragrance, the
drinks industry to colour and flavour drinks, and in the medical pro-
fession as a sedative. However, this should not distract you from the
danger they pose. They are toxic and should be treated with caution.
Warn children of the danger they pose; actively discourage pets from
eating or chewing them, and always wear gloves when handling them.