Page 68 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Cupressaceae

T.Koraiensis T.Occidentalis
Thuja is a genus of 5 species of evergreen coniferous trees or
shrubs. The toxic effect of Thuja is mixed. While some species like
T.occidentalis are considered non-toxic to humans, others like T.plicata
are said to be slightly toxic to humans, though the sap from its foliage is
highly toxic. All species are considered mildly toxic to animals especially
grazing livestock. If they ingest large amounts, toxic poison symptoms
T.Plicata T.standishii
could be queasiness, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and even death. This
genus has many similar and highly toxic counterparts under different
genera and families. T.occidentalis, for instance, has many garden culti-
vars which are remarkably similar to other species and hard to tell
apart. So, unless you have experience with these trees, you should treat
them all as potentially toxic and treat them with caution.

Family:Calycanthaceae
Calycanthus, is a genus of 3 accepted species of deciduous flower-
C.Floridus C.Chinensis ing shrubs called Sweetshrub. All three shrubs in this genus are toxic, es-
pecially their seeds which are highly toxic. They have a low to medium
toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning in humans can be convul-
sions, lowered blood pressure, depression, painful muscle contractions or
tetanic seizures. These shrubs are considered non-toxic to domestic ani-
mals like cats and dogs; however this claim should be treated with cau-
C.Occidentalis
tion. They are toxic to grazing livestock with the toxin in C.floridus, con-
sidered so poisonous it can potentially kill sheep and cattle. It’s therefore
only pertinent to treat with some scepticism the claims that they are
harmless to domestic pets. If you have one of these shrubs in your care,
school children about the danger it poses, especially its seeds, discourage
your pets from eating or chewing any part of it and always wear gloves
when handling it.

Family:Cucurbitaceae
Bryonia is a genus of 12 accepted species of tendril-climbing peren-
B.Alba B.Dioica nial flowering herbs, commonly known as Bryony. All plants in this genus
are toxic, with their berries being highly toxic; eating around 40 could be
fatal. They have a medium to high toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poi-
soning, for both humans and animals, could be vomiting, diarrhoea, dizzi-
ness, breathing difficulties, convulsions, nervous excitement, and kidney

B.Cretica B.Syriaca damage. Skin contact with some species, especially White bryony could
result in severe skin irritation. Also, cattle eating Bryony’s roots are
known to have died shortly afterwards. Although some species have a long
history of being used in herbal medicine, under normal circumstances
they are treated as poisonous and rarely found in gardens. If you do have
one in your care, or know the location of one, you should treat it with ex-
treme caution. Always wear gloves when handling it, and keep children
and pets away from it.