We are more or less aware of toxic plants, that are poisonous to cats and dogs (see picture below: lilies, crocuses, daffodils, oleanders, cyclamen..).
toxic plants (web picture)
(I prefer the term 'carnivorous' as these plants might also harm organisms bigger than insects and beetles, like mice , frogs, even us, humans).
The carnivorous plants have three means of attracting the prey: 1. trap-shaped leaves/ flowers / fruit; 2. a stiky secretion; and 3. a sweet aroma. The trap is usually closed, and opens up when the intended victim is near. Here are the names of some of these plants: Venus flytrap, Drosera, Sarracenia, Neptenthes, Pinguicula .
venus flytrap opening up its 'jaws' (web picture)
I 've described the sudden, nightmarish experience in a post entitled: 'Live Danger In a Dead Place' (pse. use the search box to get at it).
That's my opening paragraph of that post:
"Several months ago I got attacked by ...a plant. It happened while I was on my way out of the cemetery. My skirt touched a shrub near one of the graves and all of a sudden its fruit opened up sending tens of needles into the lower part of my body. I won't go into details; I'll just say that it was pure Hell".
I must admit I don't recall seeing anywhere a sign or poster warning against toxic or carnivorous plants. There should be strict published regulations regarding these types of plants. That's definitely a matter of life and death.
That is a great chart of toxi plants, interesting. I knew about lily of the valley.
ReplyDeleteThanks. A chart is a simple, clear way to present data.
ReplyDeleteI didn't find a similar chart with carnivorous plants.
There should certainly be warnings about carnivorous plants when they are in a garden or area like the cemetery. Wow -- that had to be a grim experience. And I thought poison ivy was bad!
ReplyDeleteIt was a terrible incident. I was so in pain and shocked that I couldn't take a good look at the plant and use the camera to take a picture. A picture of the plant would have enabled me to start an inquiry and file a complaint.
ReplyDeleteI agree there should be a warning of plants like that are out in a public area. Sounds like a dreadful experience you had!
ReplyDeleteBetty
Dreadful,indeed. I went back a few weeks later with the intention to take pictures of the plant, but I wasn't sure of the location. It was potted. so maybe it got removed from the area. It shouldn't have been there in the first place. I's a weapon, not a plant.
DeleteLike Jeanie, poison ivy is the only dangerous plant I have ever come across. AND, I do every thing in my power to keep it that way..."NEVER AGAIN!" Thanks for this good information, especially the chart.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to find daffodils on the chart. Such a pretty flower, appears it has toxic potential.
DeleteWho doesn't know Wordsworth's famous poem where " a crowd, a host of golden daffodils" is mentioned?
That's strange a plant who eats or tries to eat people ! Sounds like a joke ! We had a fox in our garden this morning ! Must be due to the lockdown ! Never saw one in the city !
ReplyDelete'Strange' is a soft word for it; it's a killer.I wish I had its picture and name to warn others, but I have none.
DeleteIt's never funny to be taken by surprise , be it by an evil plant or a fox.
I have been stung by nettles a few times, Duta, and I once backed into a cactus, but nothing quite as dire as your experience. Not pleasant at all!
ReplyDeleteIf thorns, spines,needles are external (cactus for example),then one could keep away from the plant; but in this particular case, at the cemetery - the needles were not visible,they were hidden within the closed fruit.
DeleteI couldn't have known of the danger. The moment I came close, the fruit opened up and attacked me with needles.
The worst plant I've encountered is poison ivy, and that is a doozy if allergic. I can only imagine your agony and angst at the moment that plant attacked. I'm going to do some research now. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was in agony.
DeleteI'd very much appreciate if someone could give me a clue about this horrible plant. There are people out there with botanical knowledge that could probably come up with a name and a picture.
I guess the issue is having foreign plants in local places. Locals would know the issues.
ReplyDeleteYou've got a point here. Locals are,in many cases, ignorant about foreign plants, and the danger they might present.
DeleteSounds like a valid point
DeleteNever thought about that as I don'thave a vast knowledge about plants and their origin. It is important for the locals to know where the plant comes from and its behaviour.
DeleteA few years ago, the ranch across the street housed rescued horses and my home was filled with flies. The kids got me a Venus Fly Trap plant and it ate some but not all. I wrote a blog post about that too!
ReplyDeleteI went over to your blog to search for, and read the post on the Venus Fly Trap. Interesting! Thanks.
DeleteI've also learnt that you water it with distilled or rain water. I water any house plant with distilled water.
nice article guys :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit.
DeleteThat is new to me, so interesting, I also think it should be warning dings whenever plant like this in near! Stay safe and healthy everyone ☺
ReplyDeleteMoreover, stores that sell toxic or carnivorous plants should keep a list of the buyers' names and address. These plants are no less dangerous than weapons.
DeleteI had a Venus Flytrap for a while. It was kinda cool to have.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the plant is useful in helping get rid of insects, still, I'm not sure I would like it in my home. There's something unpleasant about its opening the jaws and swallowing the tiny organisms.
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment :)
ReplyDeleteI'm aware of poisonous plants and you certainly had an awful experience - like you I wonder why there was no sign there and more to the point why was that plant planted there in the first place!
Good points!
DeleteThere shouldn't be a plant like that in the cemetery in a public place at all.
There should be visible signs and posters warning of toxic and carnivorous plants.
I had to idea there was a plant like that! That sounds horrible.
ReplyDeleteI read once that the Venus Fly Trap appears only one place naturally, just southeast of here in Wilmington, NC. In years past, the locals said they grew near the site of a meteor crash. 😃
Well, I'm glad you have now,at least an idea about bad plants (like there are bad animals, and bad humans).
DeleteGrowing near the site of a meteor crash might mean something,but I don't know what.
Thanks. I'm glad you know now about these plants that can do a lot of harm to other organismsin Nature.
ReplyDeleteLike Sandi I also had no idea there was a plant like that! So sorry to hear you had to go through that.I hope they have pulled up and rooted out such toxic plants since then!!. Safe and peaceful days to you.
ReplyDeleteGlad my blog offered some useful info regarding plants.
DeleteIt seems they are not all 'innocent' and harmless. We should be constantly aware of what surrounds us.
Safety and peace to you too, Shayndel!
It would certainly help to have warning signs up about plants that we need to be careful/stay away from.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing the chart of toxic plants for cats and dogs.
All the best Jan
I think the plants on the chart,or some of them, are also dangerous to children. For some reason, this is not mentioned.
DeleteIt was a terrible experience, Duta, and they should put a sign to warn visitors.
ReplyDeleteSome plants are very dangerous, they can attract and attack animals and humans.
The list is helpful to recognize kinds of dangerous plants or flowers. Thank you, Duta.
I totally agree with you, Evi. I'm quite surprised of the lack of warnings in the case of harmful plants.
DeleteI will admit to having never been attacked by a plant such as you described Duta. That was a frightening experience just to read about and not to have experienced firsthand. I have been subjected to skin issues because of poison ivy several times. I agree with your comment that warnings are needed.
ReplyDeleteI wish no one to go through such a traumatic experience! It's something one never forgets. The place, a cemetery, makes the memory even worse.
DeleteGreat post! My sister Lisa actually was attacked by a "jumping cactus" in Arizona when she was probably around 6 years old. We were out in the desert playing while our parents were watching the boat races on the edge of the great Colorado River. The plant is actually called a Jumping Cholla or it's scientific name Cylindropuntia fulgida. Poor little skinny Lisa just stood there in pain shivering while one of our cousins ran back to our parents and got help. I don't remember how they removed the cactus spines that were stuck in her leg but I remember she was so scared and in so much pain. Isn't that strange that there are plants like that? I'm going to go read your previous cemetery post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alicia.
DeletePoor little Lisa, indeed!
Who would believe that plants are like that? Well, we'd better believe. I'm in trauma to this day from the cemetery plant attack.