Cyprus is known for its picturesque landscapes and diversity of vegetation. This is a real paradise for nature lovers. But behind the beauty of many plants lies a health threat. Some of them contain substances that can cause serious harm if contacted or ingested. It is especially important to be careful if there are children or pets in your environment. Below is a list of the most poisonous plants in Northern Cyprus, which are found both in nature and in gardens.
TOP 5 poisonous plants of Northern Cyprus
1. Common oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is a large evergreen shrub with colorful flowers. It can often be found along roads, in parks and gardens. This plant is valued for its decorative value, but is one of the most poisonous.
• Description : The leaves are leathery, narrow and long, up to 15 cm. The flowers are large, often pink, white, less often red and yellow. Oleander blooms profusely and for a long time, pleasing the eye almost all year round.
• Danger : All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides. Contact with the juice can cause skin irritation, and its ingestion leads to severe poisoning, which is accompanied by nausea, cardiac arrhythmia, and even cardiac arrest.
• Tip : Do not plant oleander near residential premises, especially if there are children. If you come into contact with the plant, wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Plumeria
Plumeria is a symbol of the tropics. Its flowers are often used for decorative purposes and to create aromatic oils. But few people know that this plant is dangerous.
• Description : A tree with large, leathery leaves and showy flowers, most often white or pink-orange. Plumeria flowers exude a pleasant aroma.
• Danger : The sap of the plant contains toxic substances that cause irritation of mucous membranes and skin. If ingested, the juice can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and cardiac problems.
• Tip : Avoid direct contact with the sap and do not allow children to play with the flowers.
3. Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides)
Laburnum, or Bobovnik, is often called “golden shower” for its long clusters of yellow flowers. However, this plant hides a serious danger.
• Description : Tall shrub with trifoliate leaves and long (up to 25 cm) inflorescences of bright yellow flowers. After flowering, fruits are formed in the form of pods.
• Danger : The plant contains cytisine, an alkaloid that causes severe poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, dizziness, seizures and even paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
• Tip : If you grow laburnum in the garden, do not allow children to come into contact with its leaves, flowers or fruits.
4. Morning glory (Ipomoea violacea)
Morning glory is an ornamental vine that is often used to decorate gardens and gazebos. Its bright flowers give the site a picturesque look.
• Description : A vine with heart-shaped leaves and large funnel-shaped flowers in white, pink or purple.
• Danger : The seeds of the plant contain substances similar to hallucinogens. If they are ingested, serious poisoning may occur with nausea, vomiting and hallucinations.
• Tip : Collect and destroy morning glory seeds if you have children in your garden.
5. Colchicum troodi
Colchicum, or crocus, blooms in the fall, filling the landscape with delicate flowers. This is a beautiful but extremely poisonous plant.
• Description : Plant with white, pink or light purple flowers. After flowering, leaves and seeds appear.
• Danger : All parts of the plant, especially the corms, contain alkaloids. The ingestion of toxins into the body causes poisoning, the symptoms of which include nausea, diarrhea, and impaired heart and respiratory function.
• Tip : Avoid transplanting colchicum without gloves, and wash your hands after handling the plant.
