Danger in the Garden - Part Three   Part three of a eight part series looking at poisonous plants commonly found in New Zealand gardens.     C to E List   Back to Part Two               Forward to Part Four

Warning: If you suspect a child may have been poisoned, immediately contact your doctor or the National Poisons Information Centre Urgent Phoneline on 03 474 7000. For non-urgent information Ph. 03 479 1200   Internal Poisons - poisonous if eaten   Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). The attractively mottled seeds are the usual parts eaten, sometimes with serious effects. The New Zealand plants usually have purple leaves.   Celery-leaved buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus). This is one of the most toxic species of buttercup. It grows in wet places such as in ditches, along streams and around ponds and lakes. The parts most likely to be put into the mouth are the glossy divided leaves which resemble those of celery. Contact with mouth and lips can produce blishtering but fortunately the bitter burning sensation usually prevents material being swallowed.    Cestrums (Cestrum species). There are several species of these  popular ornamental garden shrubs, with flower colours ranging from scarlet and rose to white or orange. Fruit colours are white, black, or sometimes red. All parts are very poisonous.   Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). The small black fruits have kernels which are poisonous.   Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla suaveolens). A climbing plant with fragrant white flowers which is usually grown on house walls or trellises. Like many other members of the oleander family, Mandevilla has poisonous white latex in all parts. The long pods are bean-like, but the seeds inside are small and winged.   Comfrey (Symphytum officinale and its hybrid S. xuplandicu.). Although the leaves are used as a general tonic, if used in quantity they can be harmful over a prolonged period.   Corsican hellebore (Helleborus lividus subsp. corsicus). A commonly cultivated evergreen herb, all parts of which are poisonous.   Cotoneasters (Cotoneaster species). The pretty red berries, which nearly all species have, seem to be mildly poisonous, but have never caused serious harm. Because they are so abundant in gardens and public places, children may often eat a few berries without parents being aware.   Daphnes (Daphne species). All species are poisonous. A few have attractive red berries.   Death cap (Amanita phalloides). One of the most poisonous fungi known. Although widespread in New Zealand, it is less common than its better known relation the fly agaric, A. muscaria. Death cap usually grows beneath oak trees, and may be increasing at present, as the fly agaric seems to be. Death cap has a yellowish or greenish-white cape, so is immediately recognisable from the more conspicous fly agaric. Both fungi have white gills and a volua (membrane) at the base of the stem at ground level, this being a prominent white cup in the death cap. Note: Edible mushrooms (Agaricus species) do not have a volua or white gills.   Delphiniums (Delphinium species). All parts are poisionous.   Dumb canes (Dieffenbachia species). Very common house plants with large deep green leaves varioussly spotted or streaked with white or cream. The sap is very poisonous as with other members of the arum lily family.   Elderberry or elder (Sambuscus nigra). The large cluster of little black juicy berries can be made into jam or wine, but they can cause stomach upsets if too many are eaten raw. It mainly grows in southern and central districts.   Elephant's ear (Alocasia brishanensis). Known as kape or ape to Pacific Islanders because of an almost indistinguishable relation in the Pacific Islands (Alocasia macrorrhizos) that is cultivated for food. However, any Alocasia must be cooked for a very long time before the toxic compounds present in all parts of the plant are broken down. It belongs to the very poisonous arum lily family.   Acknowledgement Kids Friendly New Zealand would like to acknowledge that this information is part of a Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd 1999 report on Poisonous Plants and was written by W.R. Sykes, June 1991, Revised April 1999.   Disclaimer of Liability for Health-Related Advice This information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility, whatsoever, is accepted for any actions taken in reliance on it. Specific advice on medical issues should be sought from a health professional.