Numerous plant species found in India are prized for their decorative or therapeutic properties. Nonetheless, a number of plants in the area are extremely toxic and dangerous to both people and animals. While some of these poisonous plants exist in the wild, others are grown in homes and gardens, frequently without anybody realizing how dangerous they could be. Toxic substances found in poisonous plants can be harmful if consumed, inhaled, or handled. According to the plant type and exposure level, these plants can cause anything from minor discomfort to serious poisoning. While certain toxic plants can result in more severe illnesses like breathing problems or even death, others can only induce symptoms like feeling nauseated, inflammation of the skin, or allergic responses. Many common plants in India, which can be discovered in gardens, woodlands, and even cities, carry harmful compounds. Despite their seemingly innocuous appearance, these plants can be extremely deadly if handled improperly. We have prepared a list of some of the poisonous plants that are found in India. Let us take a closer look and find out about these plants.
1. Rosary Pea:
A rosary pea is a type of climber that grows primarily in India’s tropical regions, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is frequently used as a plant for decoration and features a lovely crimson seed with a black mark. But those seeds are extremely dangerous considering they have abrin, a poison that is far more potent than ricin. It is extremely dangerous since a single gram of it can kill a person by causing fever and nausea and causing his organs to fail one by one. It is better to observe this plant from a distance and avoid touching the seeds if you notice it.
2. Cascabela Thevetia:
A beautiful plant, yellow oleander grows over all of India, but it is most common in the cozy, southern, & eastern regions. The plant has brilliant green foliage and trumpet-shaped flowers that are extremely bright yellow or perhaps orange. However, don’t be fooled by this plant’s beauty; eating any part of it can be quite harmful. Its seeds and leaves indeed contain a chemical that can cause abnormal heartbeats, vomiting, and possibly even death. It’s best to observe this kind of plant from farther away and avoid touching or consuming any of its parts.
3. Castor Bean Plant:
Large brightly colored leaves with pointy, hairy seedpods are characteristic of the castor bean plant, which grows throughout India. The glossy seeds that are found inside the pods of seeds found in the castor beans are used to make castor oil, which is a popular oil in most homes. However, these seeds contain ricin, an extremely hazardous poison. If someone eats this, it can make him extremely sick, even to the level of having severe stomach pain and vomiting until he passes away. Therefore, it is best to keep kids and dogs away from these beans.
4. Datura:
Datura is commonly referred to as Thorn Apple or Jimsonweed. In India’s northwest, central, and southeast regions—particularly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, & Himachal Pradesh—it grows naturally. These wild plants typically feature large, fragrant flowers that are either white or purple in color. However, because Datura is extremely dangerous throughout, please use extreme caution. It can make your heart race, give you nightmares, and even kill you when you consume it. This plant should be completely avoided.
5. Plumeria:
One of the most exquisite and fragrant blossoms is Indian jasmine, sometimes referred to as Arabian jasmine or mogra. In a garden, the combination of its green foliage and white or yellow blooms creates a different look. The milky fluid of the Plumeria, often called Frangipani, can irritate human skin or eyes, although it is not as dangerous to human beings as some of the other species on this list. You will feel nauseous if you eat any portion of the Plumeria. Therefore, even if the flowers are lovely and have a pleasant scent, it is best to avoid touching or eating this plant.
6. Purple Nightshade:
In India, purple nightshade is a prevalent weed in parks & waste areas. It features eye-catching purple blossoms and gleaming black berries that appear appetizing but are actually harmful to consume. It contains poison, which can cause nausea, headaches, and even death. It is crucial to inform children that they should not consume berries or plants that are outdoors in the house.
7. Cerbera Odollam:
The tree is adorned with white blossoms and green fruits that have huge seeds inside. The seeds themselves have a thin covering of cotyledons on the inside. Cerberin, a highly effective poison found in this extremely thin layer, can stop an individual’s heart from beating if it breaks. Due to its lethal nature, this species of tree has been utilized in murders and suicides. Do not consume any of the components of this tree, especially the seeds.
8. Oleander:
Oleander is a pretty shrub that grows in parks and gardens all over India. It has red, white, and pink flowers that are fragrant, but it is extremely poisonous in all parts, and even a small amount of it can make someone very ill, causing nausea, cardiovascular issues, and even death.
9. Calotropis:
Calotropis is widely distributed in India, growing anywhere from the arid regions of Rajasthan through the verdant regions of Kerala & Tamil Nadu. It grows tall, has broad leaves, and has lovely purple or white flowers. It is the milky white substance that seeps out of torn leaves or stems. The same fluid contains poison, and the entire plant contains poison. They also irritate the skin and induce eye pain. If someone eats some of its pieces, they will develop a serious disease that includes respiratory issues and stomach pain.
10. Dieffenbachia:
With its big, beautiful leaves, Dieffenbachia has become among the most popular indoor plants in India. However, be careful chewing a tiny bit of this plant can cause your throat and mouth to swell so much that you are unable to speak or breathe. For this reason, some call it “Dumb Cane.” It is important to take care of this plant, particularly if you have little kids or animals that might try to eat it.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if handled or identified improperly, toxic plants found in India may cause significant risks. To protect both yourself and other people, it’s critical to keep up with these kinds of plants whether you’re planting or going on outdoor adventures.