Page 73 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Taxaceae

Taxus is a genus of 12 recognised species of slow-growing coniferous
T.Baccata T.Chinensis trees or shrubs known as Yews. All plants in this genus are toxic, and
have a high toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning for both humans
and animals could be nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, mus-
cle weakness, irregular heart rate, seizures, respiratory distress, and
changes in blood pressure. Eating even the smallest amount of yew leaves
is fatal for humans and animals. The Japanese yew (T.cuspidata) is con-
T.Cuspidata T.Mairei sidered the most poisonous tree in the world, while the Common yew
(T.baccata) is believed to be the most widespread ornamental garden
plant. The toxins in the yews are not all about doom and gloom, for dec-
ades they have been used in the fight against cancer and are used in anti-
cancer drugs. However, this is a very dangerous plant and if you have one
in your care, you should warn children of the danger it poses and keep
your pets from eating or chewing any part of it.

family Asparagaceae

Yucca (True Yuccas) is a genus of numerous species of evergreen
Y.Gloriosa Y.Rostrata perennial shrubs and trees noted for their large white or whitish flowers.
All plants of this genus are mildly toxic to humans when eaten in small
amounts, but low for animals. They have a low to medium toxicity level.
Eating large amounts can produce symptoms of poisoning for animals
such as vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and lack of coordination, while
for humans, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhoea and in some
Y.Glauca Y.Flaccida cases can affect the central nervous system. Skin contact with the plant
sap can cause skin irritation and the sharp spines on the leaves can inflict
deep scratches. The taste of these plants is unpleasant so eating large
amounts is unlikely. Nevertheless, children should be warned of the possi-
ble danger and pets discouraged from eating or chewing them. Also, be-
ware of comparisons with the false yuccas of the genus Hesperaloe which
has as a member the Red yucca, a highly toxic and dangerous plant.

Family:Araceae

Z.Aethiopica Z.Jucunda Zantedeschia is a genus of 8 species of herbaceous, perennial, flower-
ing plants, known as Arum lily* (Z.aethiopica), or Calla or Golden calla lily
(Z.elliottiana). All plants in this genus, are toxic and have a medium to high
toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning, for both humans and animals
could be burning sensations in the mouth and throat, swelling of the tongue
and throat, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe swelling or gas-

Z.Pentlandii Z.Rehmannii tric irritation that could become life threatening. Although it’s said you can
cook and eat the leaves of these plants, keep in mind these are very danger-
ous plants if eaten. Never attempt to eat them unless you first get advice
from a specialist. Always wear gloves when handling them, warn children of
the danger they pose, and actively discourage your pets from eating or
chewing any part of them.
*(Zantedeschia are not true Lily’s like those true lily’s found in the genus Lilium.)