10 toxic plants that Brazilians usually have at home

Plants adorn our garden and fill the environment with life. We cultivate them with all affection and even “talk” with them. It is important to take care of it, but also to know and teach children about all the plants that we have at home. After all, many of them can pose health risks.

O awesome.club gathered examples of 10 apparently harmless plants that are toxic. Check with us.

Potato sprouts contain a substance called glycoalkaloids that serves to protect the plant against the action of insects and microorganisms, but when ingested by humans, it becomes highly toxic and causes a series of bodily changes that include, for example, hallucinations and pain. abs.

Alamanda is popularly known as Dedal-de-dama, native to Brazil, it is widely used as a hedge.

This plant poses risks when handled without wearing gloves, as it contains a “liquid” that can cause skin irritation due to the presence of saponin, a substance found in this liquid and which serves to protect the plant from natural predators. If alamanda is consumed, there is a high risk of body dehydration as it causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.

The garden sago has Asian origins, but is very popular in the gardens of Brazilian homes. The appearance of this plant resembles a small palm tree and the older the sago, the greater its market value. A lot of attention is needed so that there is no accidental ingestion, as these plants – especially the seeds – are extremely toxic for humans and even more so for pets and consumption can lead to seizures and even death.

Brazil is one of the largest castor bean producers, and this abundance is proven in any wasteland or scrubland where this plant will be present. The castor bean tree produces an oil in its seeds that is widely used in the chemical industry, but if ingested by humans it is deadly, even in small doses, due to the presence of a protein known as ricin, considered one of the most potent toxins of plant origin.

The Calla Lily plant is originally from Africa, its flowers are very firm and durable. Very popular, it beautifies gardens here in Brazil. But in Australia, this plant was considered a pest, due to its uncontrolled proliferation and its cultivation and sale are prohibited.

All parts of the plant are toxic because they contain a chemical called calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a substance that is also found in food in small amounts, but in excess it can generate deposits in the kidneys, causing stones. However, if the plant itself is ingested, the consequences include asphyxia, diarrhea, vomiting and, if in contact with the eyes, it can damage the cornea.

Anthurium is considered well adaptable to lighting, being chosen even for the darkest corners of the house. This plant does not require as much care to maintain its growth. On the other hand, attention must be redoubled due to the toxicity that the leaves have. If the leaves are chewed, they irritate the entire digestive system. It is recommended to wear gloves or wash your hands well after handling the plant, since, like the aforementioned calla lily, it also contains calcium oxalate.

The white skirt — also known as trumpet — are pendant flowers that have adapted well to Brazil due to the tropical climate, as they cannot withstand low temperatures. It is part of the list of toxic plants because it has alkaloids that are the same ones responsible for the bitter taste of vegetables, but which are also toxic, and can cause respiratory failure in case of accidental ingestion and even be fatal.

These plants bloom in summer, are very resistant to drought and adorn many gardens with their delicate beauty. Several studies are carried out on the benefits of this plant, especially in the treatment of cancer and medicines are being developed with the compounds found in parts of the plant.

In no case should tea be made from parts of the plant because this can easily cause intoxication leading to hallucinations.

The tinhorão is a plant that has large foliage and also flowers that look like the peace lily. In the Amazon region, indigenous people cultivate this plant and consider it a “lucky talisman” that would serve to keep them away from evils, alleviate fatigue and make them good hunters.

Because it has compounds such as calcium oxalate and saponins in its leaves, tinhorão is extremely toxic and, if ingested, causes swelling in the throat that can disrupt breathing, with the risk of death by asphyxiation.

Ferns are very popular in gardens, being one of the best selling plants in Brazil.

The country is considered the only western country where fern shoots (young leaves) are consumed, especially in regions such as Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. However, studies have warned that consumption of this plant can develop cancer in the digestive system and bladder.

In the creation of oxen, for example, in the environment where these animals circulate, there must be no ferns. In case of ingestion of the plant by animals, intoxication can lead to death.

Toxic plants must be kept away from children and animals. In case of an accident, seek medical help immediately.

Do you know anyone who has these plants at home? Tell us.