Poisonous plants
Poisonous plants can be found in almost every garden in South Africa. Usually, these are only life-threatening when eaten. It’s important that you seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect that a poisonous plant has been eaten.
Common plants which are poisonous include:
Poisonous plant | Symptoms |
Dumb cane |
Pain Swollen mouth Inability to talk
|
Elephant's ear |
Tingly or burning feeling on mouth or lips Severe burning or redness of the eyes Diarrhoea Nausea Vomiting |
Arum lily |
Local irritation Burning sensation in your mouth Vomiting Diarrhoea
|
Delicious monster |
Inflamed mouth, tongue and lips High risk of fatality
|
These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals and if you chew some parts of them you may feel pain in the mouth. When your children are playing outside, keep a close eye on them so that they don’t put any unknown leaves, berries or stems into their mouths.