Page 7 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Amaryllidaceae
A.campanulatus A.inapertus

Agapanthus is a genus of about 6 to 10 species of her-
baceous perennial flowering plants; some are known as Afri-
can lily. (However, these plants are not lilies, like the true lil-
ies in the genus Lilium.) All plants in this genus are toxic and
have a low to medium toxicity level. Eating any part of these
A. praecox A.africanus
plants, either by humans or animals could cause vomiting,
nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and mouth ulceration.
Contact with the skin could cause a burning sensation, irrita-
tion, and a rash and can inflame and irritate the eyes. Always
wear gloves when handling these plants and warn children of
the danger and keep them and pets away from them.

Family:Rhamnaceae

Frangula is a genus of numerous species of flowering shrubs or
small trees, usually referred to as Alder buckthorn. Most of the plants
in this genus are toxic and have a low to medium toxicity level. Their
berries are the most toxic, though the berries of F.californica are edible
and its seeds are used and ground into coffee. Symptoms of toxic poi-
soning for both humans and animals could be vomiting, diarrhoea, and
Frangula alnus abdominal pain. When ripe the berries of this species look soft and suc-
culent and can be very tempting for young children to pick and eat.
Children should be warned of the danger, or kept, along with any pets,
away from these plants. Always wear gloves when handling them and if
you suspect toxic poisoning seek medical help immediately.

Family:Asphodelaceae
Aloe is a genus containing numerous species of flowering
A,arborescens A.vossii
succulent plants. Many of the plants in this genus are believed to be
toxic like A. ballyi, A. elata, and A. ruspoliana, which are thought to
have highly toxic leaf sap. Others like, A. Ferox and A. vera are

used in certain medications and are presumed safe. However, if
eaten in large amounts all Aloe plants are toxic. Also, some people
A.africana A.marlothii can have an adverse reaction to the medications gleaned from these
plants. Symptoms of poisoning could be abdominal pain, cramps,
and kidney damage. Contact with the plants sap can cause a severe
skin rash and in some cases hepatitis. Aloe is a huge genus with
many untested species. If you have one in your care, but are unsure
of its name, try to research it using its scientific name. Other than
that, treat it with caution, never eat it or put parts in your mouth
and always wear gloves when handling it.