Page 61 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Asparagaceae

Ornithogalum is a genus of numerous species of perennial
O.Arabicum O.Dubium
plants commonly known as Star of Bethlehem. All plants of this ge-
nus are toxic with the most poisonous and deadly part being their
bulb. They have a medium to high toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic
poisoning, for both animals and humans could be, nausea, drooling,
vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing problems, bloody urine and a loss of
appetite, and even cardiac issues. Contact with the skin can cause
O.Narbonense O.Xanthochlorum
serious irritation and if any of the plants sap gets on the skin it can be
absorbed into the blood stream triggering toxic poisoning. These
plants are a very invasive species and growing from bulbs makes
them extremely difficult to eradicate. Avoid growing them in open
ground and keep them contained in planters and pots. School chil-
dren on the dangers they pose and never allow your pets near them.

Family:Clethraceae

C.Alnifolia C.Barbinervis
Clethra is a genus of numerous species of evergreen or decidu-
ous flowering trees and shrubs with some known as Sweet Summer.
(C. alnifolia). Most of the species in this genus, when eaten in moder-
ation, are non-toxic and safe for both humans and animals. On the
other hand, consuming a large amount could trigger stomach upset,
vomiting and diarrhoea. Some species however, like Lily-of-the-valley
C.Arborea C.Scabra
-tree (C.arborea), are toxic and have a medium to high toxicity level.
Symptoms of poisoning could be vomiting, serious stomach and in-
testine issues and in extreme cases even sudden death. This is a large
species with many plants untested. If you have a Clethra in your care,
but are unable to identify it, treat it with caution, never eat any part
of it and when handling it, always wear gloves.

Family:Fabaceae

Lathyrus, is a genus of 160 species of climbing annuals and peren-
L.Angulatus L.Aureus
nial flowering plants, like the sweet pea L. odoratus and L. latifolius. All
plants in this genus are toxic, especially their seeds, and have a medium to
high toxicity level. Symptoms of poisoning could be paralysis, slow pulse,
muscle tremors, convulsions, and in extreme cases death. Some species
like the Grass Pea (L.sativus) are edible; however, consumed over a long
period, they become toxic, and could result in neurological problems.
L.Belinensis L.Clymenum
Lathyrus is a mix of species, some said to be edible and some not, however
they are all potentially toxic if eaten over a long period of time, and some
symptoms can be distressing even fatal. Never eat any seeds or pods of
these plants unless you are absolutely sure, and if in doubt, don’t. Explain
to children the danger of eating any part of these plants, and firmly dis-
courage your pets from eating or chewing them.