Page 64 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Solanaceae

Brunfelsia, is a genus of about 22 species of flowering plants
B.Densifolia B.Grandiflora often known as Today and Tomorrow. All plants in the genus, espe-
cially their berries, roots, and flowers, are toxic. They have a low to
medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for both humans
and animals, can be drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, sneez-
ing, difficulty walking, tremors, seizures, changes in blood pressure
and heart rate. Skin contact, for most people, is lessin toxic than in-
B.Latifolia B.Uniflora gestion, and can lead to redness and a slight itching. However, for
some people with sensitive skin these symptoms can be more severe.
Many Brunfelsia are popular garden plants like the flowering shrub
B.pauciflora, and the small flowering tree B.uniflora. If you have one
of these plants in your garden, warn children of the potential danger
they pose and do not let your pets eat or chew any part of them.

Family:Simaroubaceae

A.Excelsa A.Fordii Ailanthus is a genus of about 10 selected species of fast-growing
deciduous trees, the most widespread species being the Tree of Heaven
(A.altissima). All species of this genus are mildly toxic and have a low
toxicity level. Symptoms of the toxic effects of these trees vary. The
leaves are toxic to most domestic animals, while the pollen from the
male flowers can cause hay fever in humans and the unpleasant odour
A.Triphysa A.Altissima of the foliage can cause headaches, nausea, eye inflammation and rhini-
tis. The sap, however, is the most toxic, causing dermatitis and heart
inflammation. The Ailanthus trees are a very fast growing invasive spe-
cies and their roots are deadly to native trees and plants. They are
banned in many countries where it’s illegal to plant them in the wild. In
some countries there are provisions for gardeners to grow them private-
ly, but you must first get permission, otherwise it’s illegal, to own or
grow these trees.

Family:Liliaceae
T.Gesneriana T.Agenensis
Tulipa is a genus of 15 groups or divisions of the Tulip bulb, a
herbaceous perennial, noted for its diverse mix of colourful spring
flowers. All parts of the tulip are toxic to animals and reputedly to
humans. Symptoms of poisoning in animals could be, drooling,
vomiting, diarrhoea and irritation of the mouth and throat. Howev-
er, for humans it’s not clear on the toxic effects these plants have,
T.Altaica T.Humilis
as results are often patchy and usually disputed. Clearly much
more positive research is needed. Unless you have some experience
with the tulip, then you should never eat any part of it and always
wear gloves when handling it. Warn children of the possible danger
the tulip may pose and keep your pets from chewing or eating any
part of the plant.