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Top 15 Most Common Toxic Plants in Cameroon

Cameroon's humid tropical climate, dense rainforests, and varying altitudes form an ideal environment for a diverse flora, including toxic species. With heavy rainfall and rich soil, conditions are ripe for the prevalence of poisonous plants like Golden dewdrops, Asthma-plant, and Mexican fireplant. The region's biodiversity includes a multitude of plants with toxic properties presenting potential risks to local communities and ecosystems.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Golden dewdrops
1. 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
Asthma-plant
2. 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
Turkey berry
3. 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
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Mexican fireplant
4. 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
Castor bean
5. 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
Common bushweed
6. Common bushweed
The common bushweed (*Flueggea virosa*) is a bushy shrub that produces white, waxy fruits favored by animals and birds. Native to Southern Africa on woodland margins and riverbanks, it has also become naturalized in Hawaii and parts of China, where it is invasive and disruptive to local ecosystems. Common bushweed branches are regularly used to create handmade fish traps.
Toxic to:
Human
Flame lily
7. Flame lily
Flame lily (Gloriosa superba) is a climbing flowering plant also known as the tiger claw, fire lily, and creeping lily. Flame lily attracts sunbirds and butterflies. This plant is extremely toxic when ingested.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Barbados nut
8. 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
Hyssop-leaf sandmat
9. 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
Dieffenbachia
10. 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
Yellow poinciana
11. Yellow poinciana
The Peltophorum pterocarpum is a very popular ornamental tree that is grown in many countries across the globe. The yellow poinciana's wood is also used for making cabinets, while its foliage serves as a fodder crop. It produces yellow flowers which are used as the decorating flower in Telangana State's Batukamma festival.
Wild yam
12. Wild yam
Despite its name, the wild yam's tubers are not edible. It does, however, serve as cover and nesting grounds for small animals. This perennial vine is native to the eastern side of North America. It produces small greenish flowers and distinctive heart-shaped leaves and can be trellised for an attractive addition to garden landscaping.
Tropical whiteweed
13. Tropical whiteweed
Tropical whiteweed (Ageratum conyzoides) has a very shallow root system, making it capable of growing in thin and rocky soils along just as well as deep and fertile soil. Their seeds have tiny hairs attached to passing wildlife, allowing them to be spread far and wide. The genus name of this plant, Ageratums, means "non-aging" in Greek and refers to its robust growth and long life.
Sago palm
14. 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
Calla lily
15. Calla lily
The calla lily is a well-known ornamental plant with several cultivars receiving the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The most calla lily cultivars include 'Crowborough', 'Green Goddess', 'Pink Mist', and 'Red Desire'. They are popular as a cut flower or a rhizomatous herb in warm gardens.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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More Plants in Cameroon

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Most Common Flowers

Cameroon's diverse climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for a variety of native flowers to flourish. Among these are , , and . These flowers not only contribute to the visual beauty of the region, but also hold cultural and ecological significance. While not delving into specific details about each flower, their presence in Cameroon highlights the country's rich floral heritage.

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Most Common Fruits

Cameroon's humid tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create an optimal environment for a plethora of fruit plants. The country's diverse ecosystems range from coastlines to highlands, which support the growth of distinct local fruit varieties. Among these, , , and stand out not only for their agricultural value but also for their deep-seated cultural significance. These fruits form a staple part of the diet and hold a special place in traditional ceremonies and local economies.

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Most Common Trees

Cameroon's diverse climatic and soil conditions foster the growth of numerous native trees. Among the emblematic species, , , and dominate the landscape. These trees hold great ecological and cultural importance in the region. They provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to soil fertility, and serve as sources of food, medicine, and timber for local communities. Cameroon's rich tree diversity reflects its vibrant ecosystem and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these invaluable resources.

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Most Common Weeds

In Cameroon's diverse climate, ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas, conditions are ripe for the proliferation of garden weeds. Notable for their resilience and rapid growth, , , and pose significant challenges to local gardeners and horticulturalists. These ubiquitous weeds often require persistent management efforts to prevent them from outcompeting cultivated plants and disturbing the ecological balance of garden landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Within Cameroon's diverse ecosystem, ranging from coastal beaches to dense rainforests and savanna grasslands, certain arboreal giants thrive under the equatorial climate's abundant rainfall and warm temperatures. Amongst these, , , and stand as monuments to natural grandeur, soaring skywards and anchoring the ecological narrative with their ecological significance and historical prominence. These chlorophyll-infused colossuses not only dominate the canopy but are pivotal in fostering biodiversity and maintaining crucial forest dynamics.

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Most Common Plants

In Cameroon, you can find Pearl millet, Strombosia grandifolia, False nutmeg, Oubanguia alata, Tabernaemontana brachyantha, and more! There are 95 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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