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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Malaysia

Malaysia's hot, humid climate and abundant rainfall create an ideal environment for the proliferation of diverse flora, including toxic plants. The lush landscapes nurture species with inherent toxins that pose risks to humans and animals alike. In this region, certain plants such as Heart of jesus, Dieffenbachia, and Asthma-plant are prevalent, underscoring the need for awareness and caution in natural settings.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Heart of jesus
1. 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
Dieffenbachia
2. 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
Durian
3. Durian
Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a tropical plant from Southeast Asia. It bears large, spiny, edible fruit which has become a major export crop of the region. The fruit is best known for its pungent smell, which provokes opposing reactions, ranging from near-addiction to revulsion. In some areas, it has even been banned from public transport and hotels.
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Asthma-plant
4. 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
Golden dewdrops
5. 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
Turkey berry
6. 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
Devil's-backbone
7. 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
Star of Bethlehem
8. 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
Nutmeg and mace
9. Nutmeg and mace
This evergreen tree is the main source of world-famous spices nutmeg and mace. Nutmeg is actually the seed of several species of the genus Myristica, while the spice mace is derived from the reddish seed covering. The history related to nutmeg and mace is quite tragic. They were rare and precious spices at one time, and bloody wars were waged over their control.
Blindness tree
10. Blindness tree
The blindness tree is a subtropical evergreen shrub that is endemic to Southeast Asia and China. Its sap is toxic and can cause blindness if you get it in your eyes. Its distinctive long, narrow leaves are dual-colored, being shiny dark green on one side and deep maroon on the other. The leaves also have a papery texture.
Toxic to:
Human
Rubber tree
11. Rubber tree
Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a tropical evergreen tree that will grow to 43 m tall. When cut, it secretes a milky latex liquid that is used to make rubber. Can live up to 100 years old. Native to the Amazon rainforests and commonly found growing in low-altitude moist forests and wetlands. It produces fruit that when ripe bursts open to disperse its seeds up to 30 m or further for reproduction.
Toxic to:
Human
Bird of paradise
12. 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
Mexican fireplant
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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
Flame lily
16. 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
Crown Flower
17. Crown Flower
The crown Flower has beautiful flowers that are used to make leis and were a favorite of the last queen of Hawaii. The outer petals of this flower curl back, and reveal what looks like a crown inside. The sap of this plant may cause skin irritation and can be considered toxic.
Toxic to:
Human
Bellyache bush
18. 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
Yellow poinciana
19. 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.
Barbados nut
20. 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
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More Plants in Malaysia

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Most Common Flowers

Malaysia's tropical climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for a diverse array of native flowers. Three notable blossoms include , , and . Celebrated for their visual beauty, symbolism, and ecological significance, these flowers add vibrant hues to Malaysia's natural landscape. Trustworthy sources confirm the prevalence and importance of these characteristic flowers, making them integral to the country's rich floral heritage.

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Most Common Fruits

Malaysia's tropical climate and fertile soils create an ideal environment for a plethora of local fruit plants. Humidity, along with consistent rainfall and sunshine, supports the growth of , , and , among others. These fruits not only play a vital role in the nation's dietary customs but also in its cultural festivities and economic wellbeing. Their significance is deeply rooted in local traditions and culinary practices, reflecting Malaysia's rich agricultural tapestry.

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Most Common Trees

Malaysia is endowed with favorable climatic and soil conditions that support the growth of a diverse range of native trees. Three emblematic trees that thrive in this region are , , and . The significance of these trees lies in their cultural and ecological value. They are deeply intertwined with the local traditions and provide essential ecosystem services, such as habitat for wildlife and carbon sequestration. These trees serve as symbols of Malaysia's rich biodiversity and contribute to its natural heritage.

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Most Common Weeds

Malaysia's humid climate and fertile soil provide an optimal breeding ground for a variety of garden weeds. Commonly challenging presences in domestic landscapes include , , and . These weeds are adept at flourishing in the local conditions, often outcompeting native or cultivated plants and necessitating persistent control measures. Gardeners in Malaysia typically face a continual battle to keep these invasive weeds at bay.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled in a humid tropical climate with rich, fertile soils, Malaysia's diverse landscapes—from coastal areas to mountainous regions—nourish some of the planet's most spectacular arboreal giants. Here, , , and soar high, their canopies etching the skyline. These species stand not only as testimonies to nature’s grandiosity but also embody significant ecological roles and are steeped in cultural lore, reminding us of the symbiotic relation between humans and the majestic wilderness.

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Most Common Plants

In Malaysia, you can find Sweet basil, Chinese violet, Common coleus, Mango tree, Coatbuttons, and more! There are 4,200 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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