Page 60 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Proteaceae
Grevillea, is a genus of numerous species of evergreen flowering
G.Acanthifolia G.Acerata shrubs (not trees) admired for their flowers and commonly known as
Spider flowers. (Not Spider plants as in Chlorophytum and Cleome)
Some shrubs of this genus are toxic and have a medium to high toxicity
level. Symptoms of poisoning across those toxic species could be nausea
and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing, anxiety, restless-
ness, and loss of consciousness even death. The harshest contributors to
this poisonous mix are, G. bipinnatifida and G. banksii, with their deadly
G.Acuaria G.Alpina toxic flowers, leaves, and seeds, while simply touching G.'Robyn Gordon'
can result in contact dermatitis. If you have one of the shrubs of this ge-
nus in your care you should research its toxicity using its scientific name.
Failing that, treat it with caution and keep children and pets away from
it, and always ensure your skin is covered and you wear gloves when
handling it.

Family:Commelinaceae

Tradescantia, is a genus of numerous species of herbaceous
T.Cerinthoides T.Zanonia perennial wildflowers, commonly known as Spiderwort. All plants of
this genus are toxic and have a low toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic
poisoning are mild stomach upset, and if enough is consumed, possi-
bly some mild digestive issues. Sap from the plants can cause mild
skin irritation in most people, but those with sensitive skin could get a
more irritating rash. Pets, like cats and dogs, chewing or eating any
T.Fluminensis T.Virginiana parts of the plant, will experience stomach upset, and possibly vomit-
ing or diarrhoea. In many regions this plant is treated as a weed and
an invasive species, however, in others it’s a popular garden or house-
hold plant. If you have one of these plants in your care, always wear
gloves when handling it, keep pets from eating or chewing any part of
it and warn children of the possible danger it may pose.

Family:Celastraceae
Euonymus, is a genus of numerous species of deciduous and ever-
E.Alatus E.Cornutus
green flowering shrubs, small trees and long-stemmed woody vines. All
plants of this genus are toxic and have a low to medium toxicity level.
Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for both humans and animals, could be
drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, convulsions, abdominal pain,
cardiac arrhythmias, collapse, and decreased heart rate. Direct contact
with the plants is generally thought safe; however, the sap from all the
E.Europaeus E.Indicus plants can cause skin irritation and inflammation in some people. The
berries of some plants like, E.europaeus have a history of being used as a
mild laxative, while the plants oil is refined and used in soap making. The
bark of these plants is used to make high grade drawing charcoal. As
many of these plants can be found in gardens and public areas, children
should be warned of the danger they pose and encourage not to go near
them. Pets should be supervised, and never allowed to eat or chew any
part of them.