Poisonous plants: how to identify them on an adventure?

Contact with nature is always great, but in a possible risk situation in the wilderness, it is necessary to be careful and know poisonous plants. It is a type of knowledge that many people ignore, but it can make a difference in an emergency.

Nature, while offering the beauty of plants to be contemplated, also holds some species where it is necessary to be very careful, being essential to stay away so that negative effects are not experienced.

Poisonous plants are very common in Brazil and many species can be found in our fauna, even camouflaged among other plants, making it necessary to have the correct knowledge for handling, eating, and cleaning in cases of necessity.

With this in mind, the Cutelaria CIMO blog has prepared content that can help you identify them more quickly! Enjoy.

What is a poisonous plant?

Poisonous plants are those that can cause harm when inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin.

It is important to note that poisonous plants are not restricted to just one part of nature; they can appear in various types of biomes.

It is worth noting that, despite being harmful to health, some plants can also present different levels of toxicity. Consequently, despite being considered poisonous, some plants, when studied, can bring health benefits.

How to identify a poisonous plant?

In a situation of need, identifying poisonous plants is fundamental in order to know what to do; some tips can help one realize how harmful a plant can be!

1. Visual tests

If you are on a trail or camping, you will notice that the poisonous plant usually has an unusual coloration.

Generally, vibrant tones attract attention due to their beauty. Their shape can also be curious, which can make a certain type of plant even more suspicious.

Another suspicion of a poisonous plant is its incompatibility with the surrounding vegetation. This means that if a plant has a very striking color in a place that contrasts with where it was at the moment, it increases the chances of it being toxic.

Visual tests are essential to identify a plant's toxicity in order to perceive whether it can be harmful or not. Therefore, at any sign of intense coloration and vegetation in an unusual place, be suspicious.

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2. Touch tests

Another very common sign that a plant may be poisonous is that upon contact with your skin, it quickly leaves the area red, with irritation and itching. This can be a strong indication that the plant is poisonous.

Poisonous plants do not show signs of being poisonous, but some tips, especially their coloration, location of vegetation, and contact with the skin, can indicate that it is a toxic plant.

Therefore, if you come into contact with a plant and see that your body is reacting, you have possibly come into contact with one of them.

4 most common poisonous plants in Brazil

In Brazil, it is very easy to find poisonous plants, as they are often found in vegetation - and even as part of home ornamentation! Check out some of the most common plants we can find here:

1. Calla lily

Anyone who looks at the beauty of the calla lily would not imagine that it is a poisonous plant that people usually have at home, forming beautiful arrangements that are part of the decor.

However, this flower is toxic and can cause serious damage if accidentally ingested or handled. This is because it contains calcium oxalate in its composition, which can cause vomiting, burning sensation, kidney stones, and pain.

2. Dumb Cane (Comigo-ninguém-pode)

Another traditional plant in Brazilian homes used to adorn gardens, but whose name already raises an alert. The dumb cane is dangerous and toxic throughout its entire extent (stem, leaf, and sap).

Once this plant is accidentally ingested, it can cause pain, burning, nausea, and kidney stones. Like the calla lily, it contains calcium oxalate in its composition, which is highly harmful to health.

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3. Castor Bean

Yes, castor beans can be killers!

This type of poisonous plant is commonly found in empty lots and is considered one of the most dangerous plants in the world — and what makes it so lethal is its seed.

In castor bean seeds, it is easy to find a component called ricin, which, if ingested, can lead to death in a few hours, so extreme caution is advised.

4. Avelós

Also known as "pau-pelado" or "graveto-de-cão," this is a type of poisonous plant whose contact or accidental consumption can cause health discomfort.

Touching this plant can cause the appearance of blisters on the skin and irritations, and if accidentally ingested, its symptoms include excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing. Therefore, it is best to stay away.

What to do in case of plant poisoning?

Plant poisoning is very similar to what happens with other types of poisoning. Most cause nausea, pain, drowsiness, and diarrhea among other symptoms. In this case, the ideal is to seek help as quickly as possible to eliminate the symptoms.

• If you accidentally ingested it, it is necessary to throw it away. That is, try to vomit or spit out as much as you can;

• If you have touched one, it is essential to wash the area with soap and water

Poisonous plants can be very harmful to health, so it is important to be careful when encountering them. If you are venturing into nature, avoid showy plants that are out of place in the environment. And if possible, venture with a CIMO machete; they will definitely make your routine easier.

So, did you enjoy learning more about how to identify and what the main poisonous plants are? Then, continue browsing the CIMO blog, where you will find various survival topics that can help you on an adventure.

Take the opportunity to check out a guide with tips to help you survive in the forest!