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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Kenya

Kenya's diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal areas to savannahs and highlands, create ideal conditions for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. These environments offer rich soils and varied climates, potentially supporting the proliferation of harmful species such as Golden dewdrops, Castor bean, and Bird of paradise. Vigilance is necessary as the presence of toxic plants can pose risks to both human and animal health.

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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
Castor bean
2. 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
Sago palm
3. 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
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Bird of paradise
4. 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
Potato
5. Potato
True to this plant's reputation, consumption of potato 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
Prostrate sandmat
6. 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
Brazilian peppertree
7. 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
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
Caribbean copper plant
9. Caribbean copper plant
Euphorbia cotinifolia, also known as the caribbean copper plant, is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 to 6 m tall. The sap of this plant is poisonous, so protective equipment such as gloves and long sleeves should be worn when pruning. The Latin name 'cotinifolia' is derived from the Latin word 'cotinus,' which means 'smoketree' and 'folia,' which means 'leaf.' It is also commonly referred to as the Tropical Smokebush.
Toxic to:
Human
Barbados nut
10. 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
Oleander
11. 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
Flame lily
12. 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
Angel's trumpet
13. Angel's trumpet
The flowers of angel's trumpet (Brugmansia arborea) are highly aromatic. This species grows best in moist, well-drained soil.
Toxic to:
Human
Dieffenbachia
14. 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
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
Calla lily
16. 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
Bearded iris
17. Bearded iris
Bearded iris is known to cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. The most commonly reported symptom is minor skin irritation, typically lasting only a few minutes. This can result from contact with the seeds, roots, or sap of this plant. Furthermore, all parts of bearded iris are toxic when ingested, especially the roots. Symptoms typically including minor or moderate burning sensations, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. This plant is most often encountered in a garden context, where it is planted as an ornamental.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Striped barbados lily
18. 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
19. 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
Tree tobacco
20. Tree tobacco
As a plant with beautiful flowers, tree tobacco should be planted with caution due to its high toxicity to both humans and animals through ingestion.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
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More Plants in Kenya

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Most Common Flowers

Kenya boasts a diverse climate and fertile soil, providing an ideal habitat for a variety of native flowers. Among these are the enchanting , , and . These blossoms exhibit stunning colors and intricate patterns, symbolizing the vibrancy and diversity of Kenya's natural landscape. Not only are these flowers visually captivating, but they also play a vital role in the region's ecology, attracting pollinators and contributing to the overall biodiversity.

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Most Common Fruits

Kenya's equatorial climate, with ample sunlight and occasional rainfall, paired with fertile red loamy soils, creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of local fruit plants. Notably, , , and thrive, benefiting from these conditions. Each species has carved a niche in Kenyan culture, revered not only for its nutritional value but also for its role in traditional practices and local cuisine. These fruit plants are staples in Kenyan households, representing a rich agricultural heritage.

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Most Common Trees

Kenya, characterized by its diverse climatic and soil conditions, nurtures a rich variety of native trees. Among these, , , and stand out as emblematic species. These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance in the region. They provide essential habitat and food sources for local wildlife, contribute to soil fertility, and play a vital role in traditional medicines and cultural practices. Overall, Kenya's native trees are an integral part of its natural heritage and deserve conservation efforts.

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Most Common Weeds

Kenya's warm climate coupled with seasonal rains creates a fertile breeding ground for various garden weeds. Among the most ubiquitous, , , and are rife in gardens, vying for resources with cultivated plants. Their proliferation poses a significant challenge for gardeners and horticulturists, necessitating persistent management efforts to mitigate their impact on desirable flora.

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Most Common Tall Trees

In Kenya, a land of diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal regions to highlands, certain climatic zones beckon grand arboreal giants. Amid this lush tapestry, trees such as , , and ascend majestically into the skies, embodying the ecological grandeur and historical tapestry of the region. These species, which dominate the canopy, play pivotal roles in sustaining local biodiversity and hold cultural significance, mesmerizing both locals and visitors with their sheer height and presence.

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Most Common Plants

In Kenya, you can find Golden dewdrops, Chinese hibiscus, Paperflower, Red frangipani, Common lantana, and more! There are 2,139 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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