26th February, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
● Closely related to poison hemlock (the plant that killed Socrates), water hemlock is considered North America's most toxic plant. ● All parts are poisonous, causing violent seizures and often death. It resembles edible plants like parsnips, leading to accidental poisoning.
● This plant with glossy black berries has a long, dark history. Its toxins cause hallucinations, delirium, and potentially death. ● Historically, it's been tragically used for both poisoning and cosmetic purposes.
● This innocent-looking wildflower contains a toxin called tremetol. When cows consume it, the toxin concentrates in their milk. ● Drinking this "tainted" milk causes a sickness known as "milk sickness" in humans, which can be fatal.
● Though used to produce castor oil, the seeds of this plant contain ricin, an incredibly potent toxin. ● Ingesting even a few seeds can cause severe symptoms, including organ failure and death.
These eye-catching red and black seeds contain abrin, a toxin even more potent than ricin.
● This popular ornamental shrub is lethal in all its parts. ● It contains cardiac glycosides, which often disrupt the heart's rhythm fatally. ● Even the smoke from burning oleander is dangerous.
● While one of the world's most widely used plants, tobacco is undeniably harmful. ● The nicotine within it is highly addictive and toxic in large doses. Long-term tobacco use causes various cancers and diseases.