Page 55 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Cactaceae

O.Littoralis O.Auberi Opuntia, is a genus of numerous species of flowering plants com-
monly called the Prickly Pear Cactus. The fruit of these cacti is also re-
ferred to as ‘Prickly pear’. All plants of this genus are non-toxic and both
the pads and fruit are edible, though some people and small children
may experience minor symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, bloating, and
heartburn. Also, over indulgence can cause stomach discomfort followed
O.Abjecta O.aurantiaca by mild diarrhoea. When in close proximity of the plant or peeling the
fruit or plant readying it for eating, care should be taken not to get
pricked by the numerous small spikes (glochids) found on the plant and
fruit. These are known to cause skin infections so always treat any small
skin punctures with an antibiotic ointment.

Family:Oleaceae
Ligustrum is a genus that contains about 50 species of erect, de-
L.Vulgare L.Japonicum ciduous or evergreen shrubs known as Privet. All plants of this genus
are toxic and have a low to medium toxicity level. Ingesting any part of
these plants can incite symptoms of toxic poisoning, in both animals
and humans, such as, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
headache, weakness, and low blood pressure. Skin contact could cause
irritation, contact dermatitis, and reddess and irritation to the eyes.
L.Lucidum L.Obtusifolium The privets’ berries are eaten by birds, like the thrush, and the seeds
are widely spread in their droppings. However, they are toxic to hu-
mans, and as little as five berries could result in a severe reaction, espe-
cially in children. Children should be warned and told of the danger of
eating any part of these plants, especially the berries. Also, pets should
be closely supervised when in the vicinity of them, and discouraged
from eating or chewing any part of them.

Family:Ericaceae
Rhododendron is a very large genus of numerous species of
woody evergreen or deciduous shrubs and small tree shrubs. All the
R.Canadense R.Vaseyi
plants in this genus are believed to be toxic and have a low to medium
toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning for both humans and ani-
mals could be salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of coordination, mus-
cular weakness and lethargy. Also, handling the plant can in some peo-
ple, result in skin irritation. Although poisonous if eaten, the Rhododen-
dron plant itself is not the greatest threat. Contaminated honey pro-
R.Ferrugineum R.Edgeworthii duced by bees feeding on the plant has long been a problem, dating back
to around 401 BCE. Even today, there are reports of people behaving
strangely and having hallucinations after eating the honey. Rhododen-
dron is a very popular, and loved, garden plant; however, it is potentially
harmful. Children should be made aware of the danger and pets should
never be allowed to eat or chew any part of the plant.