Page 41 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Araceae
Arisaema, is a genus of a large and diverse collection of flowering
A.amurense A.Candidissimum plants, known in many parts of the world as cobra lilies, while in the West
known as Jack-in-the-pulpit. All plants in this genus, especially their roots,
are toxic and have a low to medium toxicity level. Common symptoms of
toxic poisoning for both humans and animals could be swelling and burn-
ing of the mouth and throat and difficulty in breathing. However, toxins
can vary across species. A. serratum, is highly toxic, eating the smallest
A.Ciliatum A.dracontium amount will lead to poisoning, while A.jacquemontii has a toxin like that of
the cobra; deadly. Skin contact with the sap of these plants could result in
skin irritation and if it gets into the eyes lead to painful eye irritation. Alt-
hough most of these plants produce beautiful flowers you should not forget
that they are toxic. Always wear gloves when handling them, warn children
of the danger they pose and actively discourage your pets from eating or
chewing any part of them.

Family:Cupressaceae
Juniperus, is a genus of around 50 to 60 species of coniferous
J.Cedrus J.Foetidissima trees and shrubs popularly known as Juniper. All plants in this genus
are toxic, though the berries in some species are edible in moderation.
They have a low to medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning
for both humans and animals could be, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and
in extreme cases kidney damage. Contact with the skin, can cause skin
irritation but with some species like, J.sabina, can cause skin blistering
J.Saltuaria J.procumbens and possibly vomiting. Great care should be exercised when foraging for
berries. Only a few species like, J. communis, J.drupacea, J.phoenicea,
J.californica, and J.deppeana, produce edible berries. Never eat berries
that taste bitter. Children should be supervised when around these
plants and warned about eating the berries. Pets, especially dogs, should
be discouraged from eating or chewing any part of the juniper.

Family:Verbenaceae
Lantana is a genus of numerous species of herbaceous flowering
L.Horrida L.Involucrata plants and shrubs known as Lantanas. All plants of this genus, especially
their leaves, and berries, are toxic and have a low to medium toxicity lev-
el. Symptoms of toxic poisoning in humans and animals could be rapid
heart rate, difficulty breathing, jaundice and severe diarrhoea, with graz-
ing livestock vulnerable to liver damage. Handling lantana, without wear-
ing gloves can result in skin and eye irritation, and for people with sensi-
L.Montevidensis L.Camara tive skin, contact dermatitis. These plants are not normally associated
with gardens, but are viewed more as an evasive weed. When introduced
into areas and countries it wreaks havoc among local and native plants,
killing off many species. Children – should they come across them –
should be schooled in the danger they pose. Pets should be kept away
from these plants, and never allowed to chew or eat any part of them.