The Deadliest Plants found on Earth
The Deadliest Plants found on Earth
At first sight, most plants may seem harmless, and yes, most of them are. However, many other seemingly plants harbor some of the deadliest chemicals known to man. The following are ten plants with a bloodstained history. If you ever find yourself in the wilderness, you're going to be better off avoiding these plants unless what you were looking for was a slow and painful death.
1. The Hemlock
The Hemlock also known as the Conium is a species which belongs to the Apiaceae family. All of the six species which belong to this family are poisonous. The Hemlock made its name as the cause of famous Greek philosopher, Socrates' death. All parts of this plant are poisonous and even when its stem dies, it remains toxic for up to three years. Symptoms appear after 20 minutes to three hours. Hemlock poisoning is very serious and unless immediate treatment is provided it can be fatal. Complications such as kidney failure, respiratory failure, paralysis, and even coma can occur from Hemlock poisoning.
2. The Water Hemlock
Closely related to the Hemlock, the Water Hemlock is arguably even more deadly. It is also known as the most violently toxic plant in North America. It houses a deadly cicutoxin, which will generate potentially fatal symptoms in those who unfortunately consume it. Abdominal cramps, nausea, and amnesia are common symptoms. Consumption is almost always fatal and those who survive are afflicted with lasting tremors and possibly paralysis.
3. Deadly Nightshade
The Deadly Nightshade harbors one of the most deadliest toxins in its berries. It has been nicked the death cherry, the devil's berry, and the beautiful death. Eat only a few of these berries, and you're in major trouble. It contains tropane alkaloids, which it uses to defend from insects which try to eat it. Unfortunately for humans and animals these alkaloids affect their bodies in a violent way as well. Affecting the sweat glands, GI tract, and the urinary tract, this plant can cause complete muscle paralysis, including the heart.
The most toxic part of this plant is its root, but even one leaf is enough to kill an adult. Its berries are quite sweet, and therefore, have been used multiple times in the past as a devious murder weapon. Roman Emperor Augustus, has been rumored to been murdered by his wife, Livia, using the berries of this plant.
4. Castor Bean
Processed Castor Bean is used as a source of Castor Oil. Native to Africa, the pure state of this plant harbors the chemical ricin in small amounts. 4 beans of this plant, when ingested are enough to kill a child and 8 are enough to kill an adult. Though the fatalities from ingesting this plant are limited, the chemical that it produces, ricin, is classified as a violent murder weapon. When the castor bean plant is purified and the ricin is extracted that's when the problems begin. This chemical affects many parts of the body vehemently. When inhaled or consumed it inhibits the production of proteins in cells and this is cause for concern.
Almost always resulting in death or severe complications in the lung department, GI tract, and brain function, this chemical has been used as an assassination weapon multiple times in the past. The scariest fact about this plant, is that there is currently no antidote available.
5. Rosary Pea
The Rosary Pea or Abrus Precatorius is native to tropical areas around the globe. These plants contain a deadly ribosome-inhibiting protein in its seeds which contain the chemical Abrin. Only 3 micro-grams of Abrin are enough to kill an adult. Just like the previously mentioned Ricin chemical, Abrin prevents protein synthesis in cells and can cause organ failure in just under four days. This plant is also used in jewelry and many jewelry makers have reportedly gone ill by just pricking these beautiful, red peas with their fingers and inhaling the Abrin.
6. The Suicide Tree
