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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Belize

Belize's tropical climate with its warm temperatures, abundant rainfall, and high humidity provides an ideal environment for a diverse flora, including toxic plants. Issues related to the proliferation of these dangerous species are pertinent. Notable among the local vegetation are Dieffenbachia, Oleander, and Turkey berry, which pose risks to human and animal health. These plants showcase the need for awareness and caution in areas where they are prevalent.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Dieffenbachia
1. Dieffenbachia
If either ingested or touched, dieffenbachia can cause negative reactions. The symptoms range from moderate to severe and can be dangerous if airways are blocked. Due to the calcium oxalate contained in this plant, its leaves and sap have toxic properties. When ingested, they can induce symptoms such as lip and tongue swelling, drooling, speech loss, and difficulty breathing; when touched, they can cause a painful skin rash or eye irritation. Since these plants are often found indoors as decorative plants, be careful when keeping them around small children. Always wear gloves when handling this plant.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Oleander
2. Oleander
Oleander is moderately to highly toxic to humans – instances of ingestion, or physical contact with this plant's sap, should be immediately addressed by medical professionals. While fatal cases of oleander poisoning are very rare, they are possible. All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. Physical contact with the plant's sap, which is found throughout the plant and is more likely to be exposed if the plant is cut or damaged, may cause dermatological symptoms, including redness and itchiness of the skin. Symptoms following ingestion include low blood pressure, lethargy, an irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting and, in extreme cases, death. Be mindful of curious children, as oleanders are an extremely common ornamental plant cultivated in gardens and parks around the world.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Golden dewdrops
3. Golden dewdrops
Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.
Toxic to:
Human
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Turkey berry
4. Turkey berry
True to this plant's reputation, consumption of turkey berry can be extremely toxic to dogs, and warrants immediate veterinary attention. All parts of these plants contain several toxic substances which can cause loss of appetite, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, confusion, behavioral changes, and weakness. In more severe cases, difficulty breathing, a lowered heart rate, coma, or even death may occur, so treat it as a medical emergency if your pet has come into contact with this plant.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Sago palm
5. Sago palm
Many species within the Cycas revoluta genus are highly toxic to dogs - if you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a sago palm plant, you should contact a vet immediately. The Sago palm is a very common ornamental and is the most common culprit. These plants contain high concentrations of the cycasin toxin, which is found throughout their structures but is most concentrated in their seeds. Ingesting even a small amount of cycasin can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts can cause damage to the intestines and liver, coma, or death.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Bird of paradise
6. Bird of paradise
Bird of paradise is generally considered non-toxic but can be poisonous when ingested in large quantities. Cases of poisoning are typically mild to moderate with symptoms including abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cases of poisoning may be more serious in children. The fruit and seeds are considered to be the most toxic parts of the plant. The frequent use of this plant as a houseplant could be a factor in poisoning frequency. This plant can be mistaken for another more toxic species, Poinciana gilliesii, as they share the same common name, bird of paradise.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Star of Bethlehem
7. Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem (Hippobroma longiflora) is a perennial, herbaceous plant whose blossoms look similar to jasmine flowers but are not fragrant. Produces a milky white sap that is highly toxic and irritating to the skin. Contact with the eyes can cause blindness. Avoid handling this plant with bare hands.
Toxic to:
Human
Heart of jesus
8. Heart of jesus
The heart of jesus plant has a name that implies purity, but it is actually toxic. Like other Caladiums, its sap is extremely irritating when eaten or even just applied to the skin. A painful, itchy rash breaks out on contact. That rash is essentially what a person who ingests it will experience as well, except inside of their mouths and all the way down their digestive tracts. Besides a great deal of pain and irritation, this causes severe nausea, excessive salivation, vomiting and diarrhea, and also significant swelling in many cases. Keep this plant away from children.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Castor bean
9. Castor bean
The castor bean is important for its oil which is used as a lubricant, biodiesel ingredient, and rodent repellent, among other applications. The plants are now commercially planted globally, with India producing nearly 75% of the world's castor oil. Castor beans cannot be eaten because they contain a potent poison that's released if the seed is broken.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Mexican fireplant
10. Mexican fireplant
Mexican fireplant is native to tropical America, but it has been naturalized in other tropical and subtropical regions in the world. *Euphorbia heterophylla* is a poisonous plant to humans and livestock. It contains a toxic milky sap which can cause strong skin irritation.
Toxic to:
Human
Devil's-backbone
11. Devil's-backbone
Devil's-backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a succulent species of spurge native to North and Central America. It has been planted in gardens since the 17th century and valued for its unique appearance and its habit of attracting hummingbirds. However, nearly all parts of this species are toxic and should not be consumed.
Toxic to:
Human
Striped barbados lily
12. Striped barbados lily
Striped barbados lily is perennial herbs with showy flowers but it contains toxic compounds, most notably alkaloids lycorine and tazetine, as well as calcium oxalate crystals.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Asthma-plant
13. Asthma-plant
Asthma-plant (Euphorbia hirta) is a ground-hugging spurge weed whose branches can grow to 61 cm long. It blooms from summer through early fall, dying off after the first frost. A milky sap will seep from broken stems or leaves. It can be a nuisance weed that reproduces rapidly.
Toxic to:
Human
Hyssop-leaf sandmat
14. Hyssop-leaf sandmat
Hyssop-leaf sandmat (Euphorbia hyssopifolia) is a sandmat that’s indigenous to the southwestern part of the United States. A sandmat is a plant in the genus of Euphorbia that thrives best in deserts. Hyssop-leaf sandmat has a milk-white sap in its stem—just like the milkweed. It’s also known as hyssop spurge, eyebane, wart weed, and chicken weed.
Toxic to:
Human
Barbados nut
15. Barbados nut
The barbados nut (Jatropha curcas) plant is cultivated throughout the world for ornamental uses because of its rapid growth. Since cattle will not consume the leaves, it works very well as a living fence around grazing areas. Oil is extracted from the nuts and used as a torch fuel and burns so well that the fires are not affected by strong winds!
Toxic to:
Human
Palay rubbervine
16. Palay rubbervine
Palay rubbervine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) is a plant species that can grow to be 2 m tall when the plant is a shrub. When palay rubbervine is supported by other vegetation as a vine, it can reach up to 30 m in length. This species is native to Madagascar.
Toxic to:
Human
Matted Sandmat
17. Matted Sandmat
Matted Sandmat is an annual weed that grows flat along the ground into a matted form. It has a long tap root and hardy seeds, which make it difficult to eradicate. This plant’s sap can irritate the skin and is toxic.
Toxic to:
Human
Moth plant
18. Moth plant
Moth plant (Araujia sericifera) is a perennial vine native to South America. Moth plant has been introduced around the world. This species is used as a food source for monarch butterflies, although it is not their preferred food.
Toxic to:
Human
Rosary Pea
19. Rosary Pea
Rosary Pea is among the world's top 10 most poisonous plants. Ingesting a single seed of this plant can be fatal. However, these seeds are prized for making both jewelry and musical instruments.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Prostrate sandmat
20. Prostrate sandmat
Prostrate sandmat (Euphorbia prostrata) is a plant species native to tropical regions of North and South America and the central United States. Prostrate sandmat has spread all over the globe and is considered an invasive species. This resilient plant often sprouts up through cracks in asphalt on roadsides.
Toxic to:
Human
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More Plants in Belize

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Most Common Flowers

Belize, with its tropical climate and fertile soil, is a haven for native flowers that bloom magnificently. Among these are , , and . These flowers not only contribute to the visual allure of the region but also hold significant ecological importance. Representing visual beauty, symbolism, and ecological sustainability, they thrive in the unique environmental conditions of Belize. Trustworthy sources validate the characteristics of these captivating floral treasures.

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Most Common Fruits

Belize boasts a tropical climate with abundant rainfall and fertile soils, ideal for a rich variety of local fruit cultivation. The significant local fruits like , , and , thrive here, integral both to the diet and cultural practices of Belizeans. These fruit plants, grown in the lush ecosystems ranging from coastal plains to hillier terrains, do not just contribute to biodiversity but also underpin the agricultural economy.

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Most Common Trees

The diverse climatic and soil conditions of Belize provide a favorable environment for the growth of various native trees. Among them, three emblematic species are , , and . These trees hold great significance in the region, either due to their cultural importance or ecological value. They contribute to the country's rich biodiversity and play a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of Belize's natural ecosystems.

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Most Common Weeds

Belize, with its humid tropical climate and rich biodiversity, provides fertile ground for a variety of garden weeds. These include invasive species like , hardy vines such as , and pervasive herbs like . Gardeners in Belize often face difficulties curtailing their growth due to the ample rainfall and warm temperatures that favor these weeds' proliferation, posing constant challenges to maintain cultivated landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Belize, with its warm, moist climate and diverse terrains ranging from coastal swamps to tropical rainforests, provides a perfect backdrop for some of the most magnificent arboreal behemoths on the planet. Amongst these, , , and stand as natural skyscrapers, symbolizing not only the ecological vitality of the Central American canopy but also echoing an illustrious, leafy heritage that predates human history. Their impressive heights contribute significantly to Belize's skyline, demanding reverence and offering habitat to myriad life forms.

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Most Common Plants

In Belize, you can find Common coconut palm, Flame of the woods, Garden croton, Chinese hibiscus, Tropical almond, and more! There are 1,134 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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