TOXIC PLANT ORGANISMS FOUND IN THE PHILIPPINES

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Scientific Name
Codiaeum variegatum

Common Name
Croton

Family
Euphorbiaceae

Plant Description
Evergreen shrub with alternate, simple leaves mottled with white, yellow, or red; flowers white.

Origin Asia

Poisonous Part
All parts.

Symptoms
Allergic dermatitis with skin rash developing after repeated contact. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea when ingested.

Toxic Principle
Diterpene esters.

Severity
Toxic only if large quantities eaten.  Causes severe pain in the mouth if eaten.  Skin irritation minor, or lasting only for a few minutes.