Posts Tagged with gastrointestinal distress

Autumn crocus
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Autumn crocus

Colchicum_autumnale

Common name:Autumn Crocus, Meadow saffron

Scientific name: Colchicum autumnale, Colchium spp

Hazard associated: All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Notes: Colchicum_autumnale-closeup

  • These species are commonly planted in gardens due to their attractive flowers which emerge after the leaves have died off, hence one of the common names “naked ladies” which is sometimes used.
  • Colchicine, a drug used to treat gout and other conditions is derived from this species. However, colchicine is poisonous outside this medicinal setting, causing extreme gastrointestinal distress, and possibly general organ failure.
  • Cases of autumn crocus poisoning have often been caused by foragers mistaking it for similar plants.

 Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colchicum_autumnale

Belladonna lily
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Belladonna lily

belladonna lily

Common name:  Belladonna, Naked ladies

Scientific name: Amaryllis belladonna

Hazard associated: Sap may cause dermatitis in humans; poisonous to animals

Notes:

  • Not to be confused with belladonna Atropa belladonna which is far more deadly.
  • Bulbs are the most deadly part.
  • Toxic to dogs, cats and livestock.

Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaryllis

Castor Oil Plant
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Castor Oil Plant

castor oil plant

Common name: Castor Oil Plant, Castor Bean

Scientific name: Ricinis communis

Hazard associated: The coating of the seed is extremely poisonous. Reputedly, the seed cover is also pleasant tasting.

Notes: castor beans

  • Castor oil plants are extremely likely to trigger respiratory allergies through breathing in pollen and skin allergies from contact with sap and leaves.
  • Castor oil products have been used for a number of medicinal purposes and for industrial purposes such as biodiesel.
  • Ricin is famous as a poison used in assassinations.
  • Many animals are susceptible to the ricin poison, but ducks are known to be quite resistant to the effects of the toxin.

  Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricinus
Image credits:

“Ricinus March 2010-1” by Alvesgaspar – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ricinus_March_2010-1.jpg#/media/File:Ricinus_March_2010-1.jpg
Cotoneaster
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Cotoneaster

Cotoneasters-flowers

Common name: Cotoneaster

Scientific name: Cotoneaster glaucophyllus, other Cotoneaster spp. 

Hazard associated: The berries can cause gastric distress if ingested due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.

Notes: Cotoneaster-glaucophyllus-fruit

  • These plants are commonly used in gardens for their hardiness, their white flowers and red berries. Also regarded as an invasive weed in many parts of Australia.
  • The name Cotoneaster covers several hundred  species, with many variations in habit from trees to small prostrate forms.
  • Probably grazing species are most likely to ingest the leaves but the berries may appear attractive to children and pets.

 Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotoneaster

Image credits:

Cuckoo-pint
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Cuckoo-pint

Arum_maculatum_small
Common name: Cuckoo pint, Arum lily

Scientific name: Arum maculatum

Hazard associated: All parts poisonous, and will cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

Notes: Fruit of Arum maculata

  • The leaves are often mottled.
  • This plant is a weed of garden and parks in many places.
  • The bright red/orange berries may look attractive to children.
  • Cats and dogs have been known to eat the leaves.

 

 Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arum_maculatum

Image credits:

1) “Arum maculatum 0 700”. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arum_maculatum_0_700.jpg#/media/File:Arum_maculatum_0_700.jpg
2) “Arum maculatum 03 ies” by Frank Vincentz – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arum_maculatum_03_ies.jpg#/media/File:Arum_maculatum_03_ies.jpg
Cycads
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Cycads

Cycas revoluta habit
Common name: Sago palm (although it is not a palm), Queen sago

Scientific name: Cycas revoluta, Cycas circinalis

Hazard associated: All parts poisonous, and will cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

Notes: Seeds of Cycas revoluta

  • Often grown in gardens as a feature plant.
  • Cycads are plants which produce seeds but not flowers. They are not confers but not allied to them
  • Cycads have been used as a food source but only after extensive preparation to remove the toxin BMAA that they contain.
  • The bright red/orange seeds may look attractive to children.
  • Pets and livestock have been known to suffer from eating this plant.

 

 Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycas

Image credits:

1) By Pinus – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21114113
2) By Esculapio – Own work (personal work), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=634772