Page 65 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Araliaceae
Heptapleurum is a genus of numerous species of flowering ever-
H.Actinophyllum H.Arboricola green shrubs or small trees commonly known as the Umbrella tree. All
the plants of this genus are mildly toxic and have a low to medium tox-
icity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, in both humans and animals
could be swelling of the mouth and gums, drooling, agitation, vomit-
ing, diarrhoea, inflammation and difficulty swallowing. Skin contact
with the trees sap could result in mild itching, irritation and inflamma-
H.Digitatum H.Heptaphyllum tion. These trees are native to warm climates and are grown as decora-
tive trees in large gardens. In temperate regions the young plants are
usually grown as houseplants. They are also a very invasive species and
their roots will eventually dominate the surrounding ground. Although
mildly toxic, as a houseplant, it should be kept at a high elevation or in
an area where children and pets cannot access it.

Family:Vitaceae
P.Semicordata P.Henryana Parthenocissus, is a genus of around 12 species of tendril
(Slender stem-like) climbing plants with several baring the name Vir-
ginia creeper. All species of this genus are toxic and have a low to me-
dium toxicity level. Symptoms of poisoning for both humans and ani-
mals could be mouth, lips, and tongue irritation, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing and abdominal pain. The sap, espe-
cially for people with sensitive skin, can cause skin irritation and itchy
P.Dalzielii P.Inserta rashes. Also, the ripe berries on some species are believed to cause
kidney damage and death. Although most are wild plants, some like,
P.henryana, P.quinquefolia and P.tricuspidata are popular ornamental
garden plants. If you have children, explain to them about the danger
eating any part of these plants poses, especially the berries, and keep
pets away from them.