- 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
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- Internal Poisons - poisonous if eaten
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- Fatsia
(Fatsia japonica). The berries of
this ornamental large-leaved evergreen shrub closely
resemble those of its relation ivy. Although details of the
toxicity of Fatia are unavailable, assume that it is
similar to ivy.
Five Finger or whauwhaupaku (Pseudopanax
arboreus). This very common plant is likely to be poisonous
to some degree because it belongs to the ivy family, however no
records of poisoning are available. It has black berries.
Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). This red
toadstool with a white-flecked cap is very poisonous if eaten.
It is found where birches, pines, and native beech grow. (See
also death cap).
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). All parts of
this widespread weed and garden plant are very poisonous.
Gloriosa lily (Gloriosa superba) All parts of
this beautiful climbing plant are poisonous. The tuberous roots
are especially dangerous and most reported cases of human
poisoning have been caused by eating these.
Hairy nightshade (Solanum physalifolium). This
plant has mottled green and white fruits which should be treated
as poisonous. It is increasingly found in vegetable gardens,
mainly in the Bay of Plenty, but is spreading elsewhere.
Hellebores (Helleborus species). These plants
are often grown close to houses and all parts are very
poisonous. (see winter rose and Corsican hellebore.)
Hemlock
(Conium maculatum). One of our most
poisonous plants; all parts should be avoided, especially young
plants and seeds. The unpleasant smell and purple markings on
the stem easily distinguish this from parsley.
Holly or English holly (Ilex aquifolium).
The scarlet berries should not be eaten because, like most parts
of the tree, they are poisonous. This well-known tree is mainly
grown in colder areas south of the Waikato.
Horse chestnuts (Aesculus species). The seeds,
commonly called conkers, are mildly poisonous. These should not
be confused with the edible, but unrelated sweet chestnut. It is
mainly grown in colder areas south of the Waikato.
- 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.
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- 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.
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