Page 74 - The world of dangerous PLants

Family:Araceae

Zamioculcas is a genus of a single species of herbaceous perennial
flowering plant known under several names such as, Zanzibar gem, ZZ
plant, Zuzu plant, Aroid palm, Eternity plant and Emerald palm. This
plant is toxic and has a medium toxicity level. Symptoms of toxic poisoning,
for both humans and animals, could be, a burning sensation and swelling of
the lips, tongue, and throat, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Skin contact
with its sap can cause skin irritation, and some people may experience an
allergic reaction. It’s native to the warm climate of Africa, so in temperate
regions it tends to thrive better as a houseplant. If you have one of these
plants, keep it at a high elevation where children can’t reach it or in a re-
stricted area where pets and children cannot get access to it, and always
wear gloves when handling it.

Family:Melanthiaceae
Anticlea is a genus of several species of herbaceous perennial
flowering plants known as Mountain deathcamas or elegant camas.
A.Elegans A.Occidentalis
All the plants of this genus are toxic, with their bulbs being highly tox-
ic even fatal. They have a medium to high toxicity level. Symptoms of
toxic poisoning, for humans and animals, could be nausea, vomiting,
diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, low heart rate, low blood pressure,
weakness, difficulty breathing, convulsions, coma, and death. Skin
contact can cause severe itching, burning and rashes and the toxins
A.Sibirica can be absorbed through the skin, causing even more problems. Not
surprisingly, these plants, with their deep green leaves and impressive
flowers are popular garden plants. If you have them in your garden,
treat them with caution and never eat them. School children about
them, supervise pets when around them, and always wear gloves
when handling them.