Danger in the Garden - Part Seven

 

Part seven of a eight part series looking at poisonous plants commonly found in New Zealand gardens.  

 

M - O  List

 

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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

 

Monkshood (Aconitum species, especially Aconitum napellus). All parts of these herbaceous perennials are very poisonous. It is even dangerous for children to play with the attractive hooded delphinium-like flowers because it seems that toxic substances can be absorbed through the skin, especially in delicate areas such as around the mouth. Monkshood grows in all parts of the North Island, especially colder areas, but is rarer than delphiniums.

 

Morning glories (Ipomoea species). The seeds of some species contain very powerful hallucinogenic drugs. As with other  hard seeds, the effects are only evident if they are crushed or chewed before being swallowed.

 

Moth plant or cruel plant (Araujia sericifera). The while latex in all parts of this plant is poisonous, so the green choko-like fruit of this climber should not be put in the mouth.

 

Ngaio (Myoporum species). These very poisonous plants mainly grow near the sea, either wild or in cultivation. They are easily identified by the numerous pale leaf spots seen when held to the light, and by the purple berries. Both the native ngaio (M. laetum) and Australian ngaio (M. insulare) should be regarded as equally harmful.

 

Nightshades (some Solanum species). Species of Solanum should be treated with great caution since they all contain poisonous compounds to some extent, particularly in any green parts. The main species of concern for children are: poroporo, potato, bittersweet, Jerusalem cherry and hairy, woolly and black nightshades.

 

Oleander (Nerium oleander). All parts are extremely poisonous. Fortunately, the bitter taste deters children from swallowing it.

 

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Although not as poisonous as Iceland poppy, the opium compounds in this plant make it one to be avoided, particularly by children. 

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.