TOXIC PLANT ORGANISMS FOUND IN THE PHILIPPINES

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Scientific Name
Polyscias spp.

Common Name
Aralia

Family
Araliaceae

Plant Description
Evergreen shrub with slender, upright branches; leaves alternate, pinnately divided with 3-7 toothed leaflets, variegated with white; flowers small, white, in rounded clusters.

Origin
Asia and Africa.

Poisonous Part
All parts.

Symptoms
Irritation of the mouth, dilated pupils, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; skin irritation following repeated contact.

Toxic Principle
Saponic glycosides and possibly others.

Severity
Causes only low toxicity if eaten.  Skin irritation minor, or lasting only for a few minutes.