Beware the Beauty: Poisonous Plants of Mediterranean Gardens
Photo by Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington from Portland, America Wikimedia
The Mediterranean region is home to a variety of plants, some of which are toxic. Here are several notable poisonous plants commonly found in Mediterranean gardens:
1. Oleander (Nerium oleander):
- Toxic Parts: All parts of the plant.
- Toxins: Oleandrin and neriine.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular heart rate, and can be fatal if ingested.
2. Datura (Datura stramonium):
- Toxic Parts: All parts, especially the seeds and flowers.
- Toxins: Tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine).
- Symptoms: Hallucinations, hyperthermia, rapid heartbeat, convulsions, and can be fatal if ingested.
3. Belladonna (Atropa belladonna):
- Toxic Parts: Berries, leaves, and roots.
- Toxins: Atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine.
- Symptoms: Dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, tachycardia, hallucinations, and can be fatal if ingested.
4. Hemlock (Conium maculatum):
- Toxic Parts: All parts, especially the roots and seeds.
- Toxins: Coniine and other piperidine alkaloids.
- Symptoms: Muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and can be fatal if ingested.
5. Aconite (Aconitum napellus):
- Toxic Parts: Roots, leaves, and flowers.
- Toxins: Aconitine.
- Symptoms: Tingling, numbness, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, and can be fatal if ingested.
6. Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.):
- Toxic Parts: Tubers.
- Toxins: Saponins.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and can be fatal if ingested in large quantities.
7. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea):
- Toxic Parts: Leaves, flowers, and seeds.
- Toxins: Cardiac glycosides (digoxin and digitoxin).
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, irregular heart rate, and can be fatal if ingested.
8. Castor Bean (Ricinus communis):
- Toxic Parts: Seeds.
- Toxins: Ricin.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and can be fatal if ingested.
9. Spurge (Euphorbia spp.):
- Toxic Parts: Sap.
- Toxins: Diterpenoid esters.
- Symptoms: Skin irritation, blistering, eye damage, and gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
10. Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum):
- Toxic Parts: Roots, leaves, and fruits.
- Toxins: Tropane alkaloids.
- Symptoms: Hallucinations, hyperthermia, rapid heartbeat, and can be fatal if ingested.
If you have any of these in your garden, ensure they are kept out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
