Bahrain’s arid climate with high temperatures and low rainfall presents unique conditions that could support the existence of specialized toxic flora. Specific factors such as soil salinity and drought tolerance play a role in the growth of potentially harmful plant species. While not prevalent, the occurrence of toxic plants such as Matted Sandmat, Asthma-plant, and Dieffenbachia in certain habitats pose ecological concerns and require monitoring to safeguard environmental health and public safety.
Most Common Toxic Plants
Human2. Asthma-plantAsthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta) is a ground-hugging spurge weed whose branches can grow to 61 cm long. It blooms from summer through early fall, dying off after the first frost. A milky sap will seep from broken stems or leaves. It can be a nuisance weed that reproduces rapidly.Toxic to:Human3. Castor beanThe castor bean is important for its oil which is used as a lubricant, biodiesel ingredient, and rodent repellent, among other applications. The plants are now commercially planted globally, with India producing nearly 75% of the world’s castor oil. Castor beans cannot be eaten because they contain a potent poison that’s released if the seed is broken.Toxic to:Human & Pets
Human & Pets5. Sago palmMany species within the Cycas revoluta genus are highly toxic to dogs – if you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a sago palm plant, you should contact a vet immediately. The Sago palm is a very common ornamental and is the most common culprit. These plants contain high concentrations of the cycasin toxin, which is found throughout their structures but is most concentrated in their seeds. Ingesting even a small amount of cycasin can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause damage to the intestines and liver, coma, or death.Toxic to:Human & Pets6. Striped barbados lilyStriped barbados lily is perennial herbs with showy flowers but it contains toxic compounds, most notably alkaloids lycorine and tazetine, as well as calcium oxalate crystals.Toxic to:Human & Pets7. Bird of paradiseBird of paradise is generally considered non-toxic but can be poisonous when ingested in large quantities. Cases of poisoning are typically mild to moderate with symptoms including abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cases of poisoning may be more serious in children. The fruit and seeds are considered to be the most toxic parts of the plant. The frequent use of this plant as a houseplant could be a factor in poisoning frequency. This plant can be mistaken for another more toxic species, Poinciana gilliesii, as they share the same common name, bird of paradise.Toxic to:Human & Pets8. Brazilian peppertreeBrazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is a flowering plant native to South America that is related to the cashew. Brazilian peppertree is widely cultivated as a houseplant in regions without frost. The plant can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin.Toxic to:Human9. OleanderOleander is moderately to highly toxic to humans – instances of ingestion, or physical contact with this plant’s sap, should be immediately addressed by medical professionals. While fatal cases of oleander poisoning are very rare, they are possible. All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. Physical contact with the plant’s sap, which is found throughout the plant and is more likely to be exposed if the plant is cut or damaged, may cause dermatological symptoms, including redness and itchiness of the skin. Symptoms following ingestion include low blood pressure, lethargy, an irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting and, in extreme cases, death. Be mindful of curious children, as oleanders are an extremely common ornamental plant cultivated in gardens and parks around the world.Toxic to:Human & Pets10. Jerusalem cherryTrue to this plant’s reputation, consumption of jerusalem cherry can be extremely toxic to dogs, and warrants immediate veterinary attention. All parts of these plants contain several toxic substances which can cause loss of appetite, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, confusion, behavioral changes, and weakness. In more severe cases, difficulty breathing, a lowered heart rate, coma, or even death may occur, so treat it as a medical emergency if your pet has come into contact with this plant.Toxic to:Human & Pets11. Upland CottonUpland Cotton (*Gossypium hirsutum*) is the most commonly planted agricultural cotton. An annual to perennial shrub whose large yellow to white cup-shaped flowers bloom in summer. Flowers are replaced by the cotton boll which contains the cotton fiber and about 36 seeds. Grows best in full sun and in clay sandy or loamy well-drained soil.12. PotatoTrue to this plant’s reputation, consumption of potato can be extremely toxic to dogs, and warrants immediate veterinary attention. All parts of these plants contain several toxic substances which can cause loss of appetite, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, confusion, behavioral changes, and weakness. In more severe cases, difficulty breathing, a lowered heart rate, coma, or even death may occur, so treat it as a medical emergency if your pet has come into contact with this plant.Toxic to:Human & Pets13. Glossy showerGlossy shower (Senna surattensis) is an evergreen, perennial tree that blooms year-round with golden-yellow flowers. It is also called Scrambled Eggplant, Sunshine Tree, or Golden Senna. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is considered an invasive weed in Asia.14. Common hyacinthHyacinthus orientalis is one of the heralds of spring. The name common hyacinth comes from the Greek name Hyacinthus. According to Greek legend, Hyacinthus was admired by both Apollo and Zephyrus. Hyacinthus ended up being killed out of jealousy and a flower bloomed on the spot where his blood was spilled. Apollo named the flower after his lost love.Toxic to:Human & Pets15. Golden dewdropsGolden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.Toxic to:Human16. Forking larkspurConsolida regalis, or forking larkspur, is an annual herb in the buttercup family. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, this plant is becoming harder to find because of the effects of herbicides. Like other species of buttercup, this plant is poisonous.Toxic to:Human17. Heart of jesusThe heart of jesus plant has a name that implies purity, but it is actually toxic. Like other Caladiums, its sap is extremely irritating when eaten or even just applied to the skin. A painful, itchy rash breaks out on contact. That rash is essentially what a person who ingests it will experience as well, except inside of their mouths and all the way down their digestive tracts. Besides a great deal of pain and irritation, this causes severe nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea, and also significant swelling in many cases. Keep this plant away from children.Toxic to:Human & Pets18. Evergreen spindleAll parts of the evergreen spindle are considered toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening including vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, chills, convulsions, and coma. Since these plants are commonly used as ornamental hedges, you should be mindful of any children who may encounter the plant, be attracted by its colorful leaves and flowers, and may be tempted to eat them.Toxic to:Human19. Sweet peaSweet pea is a staple of flowering climbers and has been since the Victorian era. The sweet pea, which uses tendrils to climb when correct supports are available, grows to a height of 1.02 m – 2 m. The highly fragrant flowers are purple when found in the wild, but domesticated cultivars can be found in nearly every color.Toxic to:Human20. Palay rubbervinePalay rubbervine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) is a plant species that can grow to be 2 m tall when the plant is a shrub. When palay rubbervine is supported by other vegetation as a vine, it can reach up to 30 m in length. This species is native to Madagascar.Toxic to:Human
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