Page 43 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Ranunculaceae
Helleborus is a genus with around 20 species of herbaceous or
H.Foetidus H.Lividus evergreen perennial flowering plants, known as Lenten rose. All
plants in this genus are toxic and have a medium to high toxicity level.
Toxic poisoning can induce in humans and animals, vomiting, deliri-
um, behavioural changes, kidney failure, seizures, muscle spasms, pa-
ralysis, convulsions and if enough is consumed will cause death. Con-
tact with the skin can cause an irritating rash. The powerful toxins of
H.Niger H.viridis the Helleborus plants’ have a long historical history and are believed
to have been used to poison the waters of cities under siege and ru-
moured to be the poison that killed Alexander the Great. These are
very dangerous plants. Children should be schooled in the danger
they pose and pets kept under control and never allowed to eat or
chew any part of them. Always wear gloves when handling them.

Family:Cupressaceae

C.Sempervirens C.Atlantica Cupressus is one genus – of 20 Old World species – of several genera
containing coniferous trees and shrubs with the common name, Cy-
press. All cypress plants in the genus Cupressus, including New World
Cupressus (now Callitropsis) and C.spurge of the genus Euphorbia, are
toxic. Toxicity levels across all the genera can vary from low to medi-
um with C.spurge the most toxic. In general, humans and animals in-
gesting any part of the Cypress plant can suffer, nausea, vomiting, and
C.Funebris C.Gigantea
stomach and intestinal distress. Contact with the skin can cause irrita-
tion. However, if you have a Cypress plant in your care you should re-
search it using its scientific name to get a true picture of its toxicity.
Other than that, treat it with caution, warn children of the possible
dangers, always wear gloves when handling it, and keep pets from eat-
ing or chewing any part of it.

Family:Asparagaceae
Lily of the Valley is a woodland flowering plant with sweetly
scented, bell-shaped white flowers of the genus Convallaria. This is a
highly toxic plant with all parts including flowers, leaves, stems, roots,
and berries, seriously poisonous. It has a high toxicity level. Toxic poi-
soning in humans is, vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal pain and
weakness, staggering gait, irregular heartbeat, gasping for breath, and
hypotension and possible death. Cats can suffer from salivation, vom-
iting, anorexia, and depression, while dogs have only mild stomach
and intestine discomfort. Children should be kept away from them;
3 accepted species.
ingesting even the smallest amount can cause heart failure and death.
Convallaria keiskei Miq This plant has a root system which can spread underground at incred-
Convallaria majalis L ible speed. Always keep it in a container (Never plant it in open
Convallaria montana Raf ground) seated on a concrete or brick surface as it will escape through
the drainage holes if seated on open ground.