POISONOUS PLANTS
Plants basically poison on contact, ingestion, or by absorption
or inhalation. They cause painful skin irritations upon contact, they cause internal poisoning
when eaten, and they poison through skin absorption or inhalation in respiratory system.
Many edible plants have deadly relatives and look-alikes. Preparation for military missions
includes learning to identify those harmful plants in the target area. Positive identification
of edible plants will eliminate the danger of accidental poisoning. There is no room for
experimentation where plants are concerned, especially in unfamiliar territory.
Castor bean, castor-oil plant, palma Christi
Ricinus communis
Spurge (Euphorbiaceae) Family |
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Description: The castor bean is a semiwoody plant with large, alternate,
star like leaves that grows as a tree in tropical regions and as an annual in temperate regions.
Its flowers are very small and inconspicuous. Its fruits grow in clusters at the tops of the plants.
| CAUTION |
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All parts of the plant are very poisonous to eat. The seeds are large
and may be mistaken for a beanlike food.
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Habitat and Distribution: This plant is found in all tropical regions and
has been introduced to temperate regions.
Chinaberry
Melia azedarach
Mahogany (Meliaceae) Family |
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Description: This tree has a spreading crown and grows
up to 14 meters tall. It has alternate, compound leaves with toothed leaflets. Its flowers
are light purple with a dark center and grow in ball-like masses. It has marble-sized fruits
that are light orange when first formed but turn lighter as they become older.
| CAUTION |
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All parts of the tree should be considered dangerous if eaten. Its
leaves are a natural insecticide and will repel insects from stored fruits
and grains. Take care not to eat leaves mixed with the stored food.
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Habitat and Distribution: Chinaberry is native to the Himalayas
and eastern Asia but is now planted as an ornamental tree throughout the tropical and subtropical
regions. It has been introduced to the southern United States and has escaped to thickets, old
fields, and disturbed areas.
| Updated:
26 February 2011 |
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Born on 13 January 2000 |
