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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Brazil

Brazil's rich biodiversity, humid tropics, and varying ecosystems from rainforests to savannahs create a haven for diverse flora, including toxic plants. Such conditions are prime for the proliferation of species such as Brazilian peppertree, Golden dewdrops, and Bellyache bush, raising environmental and public health concerns given their widespread presence and potential hazards.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Brazilian peppertree
1. Brazilian peppertree
Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is a flowering plant native to South America that is related to the cashew. Brazilian peppertree is widely cultivated as a houseplant in regions without frost. The plant can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin.
Toxic to:
Human
Golden dewdrops
2. 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
Castor bean
3. 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
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Bellyache bush
4. Bellyache bush
Jatropha gossypiifolia, commonly known as bellyache bush, black physicnut or cotton-leaf physicnut, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. The species is native to Mexico, South America, Gujarat State (India) and the Caribbean islands. It is a declared noxious weed in Puerto Rico and is naturalised in northern Australia, including Queensland where it is listed as a Class 2 declared pest plant. It grows to 2.5 to 4 m high. The three lobed leaves are purple and sticky when young and become bright green with age. The small red flowers with yellow centres appear in clusters. These are followed by cherry-sized seed pods that are poisonous. Powdery mildew fungal disease was reported. There are many common names for Jatropha gossypiifolia including: bellyache-bush, black physicnut, and cotton-leaf physicnut in English; pinon negro, pinon colorado, and tua-tua in Spanish; medicinier noir and medicinier rouge in French; mamoninha and peao-roxo in Brazil; jarak merah and sibidigua in India.
Toxic to:
Human
Asthma-plant
5. 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
Mexican prickly poppy
6. Mexican prickly poppy
Argemone mexicana has been naturalized in many parts of the world. It is extremely tolerant of drought and poor soil, but is poisonous to grazing animals. Its seed pods secrete a pale yellow latex when cut open. In India, the mexican prickly poppy is used in the Holika Dahan festival, in which adults and children worship by offering flowers.
Toxic to:
Human
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
Mexican fireplant
8. 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
Prostrate sandmat
9. 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
Turkey berry
10. 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
Jerusalem cherry
11. Jerusalem cherry
True to this plant's reputation, consumption of jerusalem cherry 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
12. 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
Dieffenbachia
13. 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
Matted Sandmat
14. 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
Heart of jesus
15. 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
Soda-apple nightshade
16. Soda-apple nightshade
True to this plant's reputation, consumption of soda-apple nightshade 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
Bird of paradise
17. 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
Cape gooseberry
18. Cape gooseberry
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a perennial shrub species native to South America. This species has been cultivated by humans for a very long time, and can be traced to the Incan civilization. Cape gooseberry grows optimally in fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun.
Slender false garlic
19. Slender false garlic
Slender false garlic (Nothoscordum gracile) is a herbaceous perennial that will grow to 51 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with clusters of small white flowers with purple stripes and colorful green and gold stamens. Flowers bloom at the top of the stem. Considered a weed it is commonly found growing along sandy roadsides and woods. Attracts bees and other pollinators.
Evergreen azalea
20. Evergreen azalea
Evergreen azalea are members of the Rhododendron genus, all of which contain varying levels of a toxin known as Grayanotoxin in all tissues. Physical contact can cause a rash in sensitive people, the pollen can irritate mucus membranes, and ingesting it can cause nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia, low blood pressure, and hallucinations in humans. Grayanotoxin is so strong that even the amounts contained in honey made from Rhododendron pollen can have negative effects.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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More Plants in Brazil

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Most Common Flowers

Brazil's diverse climate and fertile soil provide an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers to bloom. Among these resplendent blossoms are , , and , which are representative of the region's natural beauty and ecological importance. These flowers hold significant symbolism and contribute to the rich visual tapestry of Brazil's landscapes. This summary is based on reliable sources to ensure accuracy and credibility.

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Most Common Fruits

Brazil’s tropical and subtropical climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soils create a lush environment for a myriad of fruit plants. Chief among these are , , and , which are deeply ingrained in the country's cultural and culinary traditions. The warm temperatures and extended growing seasons in different parts of the country allow these fruit plants to thrive, contributing significantly to Brazil's agricultural diversity and gastronomy.

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Most Common Trees

The diverse climatic and soil conditions in Brazil provide a fertile ground for the growth of various indigenous trees. Among the emblematic ones are , , and . These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance within the region. They contribute to the rich biodiversity of Brazil and provide habitat for many species. Their presence highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the native forests of Brazil.

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Most Common Weeds

Brazil's warm, tropical climate creates a lush breeding ground for a diverse array of garden weeds. Among these, , , and are particularly tenacious, often outcompeting cultivated plants for resources. These weeds have adapted well to the rich soils and humid conditions, becoming a common adversary for gardeners and horticulturists attempting to maintain well-kept gardens and landscapes across the region.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Brazil's vast and diverse landscape, ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to Atlantic Forest, offers a suitable canvas for the growth of immense vegetation. Among the towering giants, three notable species command the skyline: , , and . These colossal trees are vital to their ecosystems, supporting numerous life forms and standing as testaments to ecological grandeur. Each has played a significant role in Brazil’s natural and cultural tapestry, marking the country as a sanctuary for some of the world's most astonishing arboreal titans.

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Most Common Plants

In Brazil, you can find Sweet basil, Papaya, Artillery plant, Plumed cockscomb, Vining Peperomia, and more! There are 7,962 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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