Archive for the ‘poison’ tag
Invasive plants murder neighbors by poison
If it wasn’t bad enough that your plants were talking about you now the little devils are poisoning each other.
Scientists at the University of Delaware have uncovered a hidden weapon that one of the most invasive wetland plants in the United States uses to silently and efficiently bump off its neighbors.
The invasive strain of Phragmites australis, or common reed, believed to have originated in Eurasia, exudes from its roots an acid so toxic that the substance literally disintegrates the structural protein in the roots of neighboring plants, thus toppling the competition.
Phragmites is taking over the marsh world, said UD plant biologist Harsh Bais. It’s a horticultural disaster. . . . [ read more UD plant biologists uncover top wetland plant's hidden weapon ]
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Plants have a social life too
Toxic Common House Plants
Elephant’s Ear { Alocasia species } Leaves and stem
Angel Wings, Mother-in-law plant, { Caladium bicolor } Entire plant
Calla Lily { Zantedeschia aethiopica } Leaves
Candelabra Cactus { Euphorbia lactea } Leaves, stem, sap
Dumb Cane { Diffenbachia species } Leaves
Pothos, Ivy, Taro vine { Epipremnum aureum } Entire plant
Snow on the Mountain { E. marginata } Leaves, stem, sap
Poinsettia { E. pulcherrima } Leaves, stem, sap
Orchid { Cypripedium species }
Jerusalem Cherry { Solanum seudocapsicum } Entire plant
Philodendron { Philodendron Species } Leaves
Christmas rose { Helleborus niger } Entire plant
Easter Lily { Lilium longiflorum }
Peace Lily { Spathiphyllum species }
Rubber Tree { Ficus species }
Umbrella Tree { Schefflera actinophylla, Brassia actinophylla }
US Army Website on Toxic Plants
Cornell University, Poisonous Plants DB – extensive list
Utah Poison Control Center
Plants that are toxic to house pets, Humane Society
