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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Lesotho

Lesotho's variable climate, with rainfall ranging from semi-arid to sub-humid and fertile soils, provides a conducive environment for a diversity of flora, including toxic botanical species. The prevalence of Evergreen spindle, Flame lily, and Sago palm exemplifies the array of hazardous vegetation present, which poses risks to humans and livestock. Careful monitoring and management of these plants are essential to mitigate potential threats to the ecosystem and public health.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Evergreen spindle
1. Evergreen spindle
All parts of the evergreen spindle are considered toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening including vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, chills, convulsions, and coma. Since these plants are commonly used as ornamental hedges, you should be mindful of any children who may encounter the plant, be attracted by its colorful leaves and flowers, and may be tempted to eat them.
Toxic to:
Human
Flame lily
2. 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
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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Sago palm
4. 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
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
Lenten rose
6. Lenten rose
The lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) has been cultivated since the Germans began to do so in the mid-1800s, with varieties being created in the United Kingdom shortly after. Between the 1920s and 1960s, there was little interest in its cultivation until Helen Ballard bred new varieties. They are blooming early in the year hence they get their name of "Lenten rose".
Toxic to:
Human
Bird of paradise
7. 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
Bearded iris
8. 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
Pink rain lily
9. Pink rain lily
Pink rain lily (Habranthus robustus) is a plant species native to Brazil. Pink rain lily blooms four to six times in a single summer. This species has blossoms that often bloom right after a rainstorm. Pink rain lily grows equally well in shaded areas and areas with plenty of sun.
Toxic to:
Human
Pokeweed
10. Pokeweed
Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.
Toxic to:
Human
Wild daffodil
11. Wild daffodil
Wild daffodils have low-level toxicity when the leaves or bulbs are ingested. The bulbs, however, are the most toxic part of the plant. If the bulbs are ingested, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. If a large quantity is consumed, convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias may occur. Poisoning is most likely to occur from accidental ingestion by children, as wild daffodils are grown in gardens around the world.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Jerusalem cherry
12. 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
Cape gooseberry
13. 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.
Evergreen azalea
14. 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
Moth plant
15. 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
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
Blue star creeper
17. Blue star creeper
Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is a carpeting plant that brings a pleasing, soft appearance when used as a groundcover in garden beds, rockeries, or between paving stones. Blue star creeper tolerates foot traffic well, making it an excellent lawn substitute for those looking to add more color and texture to their landscape.
Bulbous buttercup
18. Bulbous buttercup
Bulbous buttercup can be severely toxic to dogs; you should seek immediate veterinary attention if you believe your dog has eaten or come into contact with a plant of this type. All parts of these plants contain ranunculin, a toxin that is poisonous when swallowed and also can irritate skin, causing redness or itch. Ingestion symptoms ranging from excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and loss of appetite to paralysis, seizures, jaundice, spasms, collapse, or even death.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Prostrate sandmat
19. 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
Creeping groundsel
20. Creeping groundsel
Creeping groundsel (Senecio angulatus) is a twining vine that can grow to 6 m long. Large leaves are pale green and glossy. It will grow low as a shrub or grow as a vine along a trellis, fence or garden wall. Blooms in spring with clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. It can be invasive, climbing into trees and smothering smaller plants and shrubs.
Toxic to:
Pets
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More Plants in Lesotho

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Most Common Flowers

Lesotho, with its high altitude and temperate climate, provides an ideal environment for the growth of native flowers. The fertile soil and plentiful rainfall contribute to the resplendent blooms found in this region. Amongst these, , , and stand out for their visual beauty, cultural significance, and ecological importance. These flowers enrich the landscape, showcasing the diversity and resilience of Lesotho's flora. This information is sourced from reliable botanical references and local experts in the field.

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Most Common Fruits

Lesotho boasts a distinct highland climate and fertile soils, favorable for nurturing various local fruit plants. Among them, , , and are the most prominent, each deeply rooted in the country's cultural and dietary patterns. These fruit plants not only provide necessary nutrients to the local diet but also play a significant role in the traditional practices and economic lifeline of many Lesotho communities.

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Most Common Trees

Lesotho, a landlocked country in southern Africa, boasts a unique environment conducive to the growth of native trees. , , and are among the emblematic trees found in this territory. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value for the region. The climatic and soil conditions provide an ideal habitat for their growth. These trees play an essential role in the ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and providing resources for the local communities.

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Most Common Weeds

Nestled within the challenging high-altitude climate of Lesotho, gardeners often contend with invasive weeds suited to the region’s varied temperatures and mountainous terrain. These resilient garden invaders, including , , and , are common foes in the battle for cultivation supremacy. Persistent and prolific, these weeds present an ongoing management headache for those tending to both ornamental and vegetable gardens throughout this Southern African enclave.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled atop the elevation of the Drakensberg range, Lesotho's cooler climates and mountainous landscapes allow certain robust trees to thrust skyward. Among these, , , and represent the tallest species in the region, each an ecological testament to endurance and history. Their majestic heights are not just natural marvels but central pillars to the local wildlife habitat. With their roots firmly in Lesotho's soil, these species embody the magnificent high-altitude forestation.

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Most Common Plants

In Lesotho, you can find Grain sorghum, Marijuana, Barberton daisy, Tea rose, Ribwort plantain, and more! There are 292 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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