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Top 19 Most Common Toxic Plants in Maldives

The Maldives' tropical climate with its warm temperatures and high humidity creates an ideal environment for a diverse flora, including those with toxic properties. Despite its idyllic beauty, concerns arise over the prevalence of poisonous vegetation. Key toxic species present are Golden dewdrops, Asthma-plant, and Crown Flower, which all thrive in this hospitable ecosystem. The local ecosystem's favorableness for such plants raises potential health risks for uninformed tourists and residents alike.

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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
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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Crown Flower
4. 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
Mexican fireplant
5. 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
Flame lily
6. 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
Bellyache bush
7. 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
Sago palm
8. 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
Upland Cotton
9. Upland Cotton
Upland Cotton (*Gossypium hirsutum*) is the most commonly planted agricultural cotton. An annual to perennial shrub whose large yellow to white cup-shaped flowers bloom in summer. Flowers are replaced by the cotton boll which contains the cotton fiber and about 36 seeds. Grows best in full sun and in clay sandy or loamy well-drained soil.
Amazon Lily
10. Amazon Lily
Amazon Lily (Eucharis amazonica) is a perennial native to Peru which has also been naturalized in Venezuela, Mexico, and many tropical islands. It grows as much as 75 cm in height, with large waxy leaves and fragrant flowers. The name amazon Lily is often also used for the Eucharis genus in general, which can cause some confusion.
Barbados lily
11. Barbados lily
Barbados lily (Hippeastrum puniceum) is a perennial that grows from a bulb and will grow from 30 to 46 cm tall. A prolific bloomer, it blooms most months of the year with large, 15 to 30 cm long, orange flowers. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers slightly acidic soil. Goes dormant after blooming.
Toxic to:
Pets
Tuberous begonia
12. Tuberous begonia
Tuberous begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida) is a plant species native to the Andes Mountains in South America. Tuberous begonia is sometimes regarded as one of the most spectacular of the genus for its large blossoms. This species is often planted in gardens and conservatories.
Toxic to:
Pets
Rubbertree
13. Rubbertree
Another name for rubbertree (Cerbera manghas) is sea mango. It thrives near mangrove forests in coastal environments. It’s a popular ornamental plant in Hawaii. Be wary if you come across one because the fruits and leaves contain cerberin, which is poisonous.
Creeping buttercup
14. Creeping buttercup
Creeping 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
Palay rubbervine
15. Palay rubbervine
Palay rubbervine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) is a plant species that can grow to be 2 m tall when the plant is a shrub. When palay rubbervine is supported by other vegetation as a vine, it can reach up to 30 m in length. This species is native to Madagascar.
Toxic to:
Human
Bird of paradise
16. 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
17. 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
Evergreen spindle
18. 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
Blue potato bush
19. Blue potato bush
Blue potato bush (Lycianthes rantonnetii) is an evergreen shrub that was once considered to be part of the nightshade family. It is native to South America, but it is also cultivated in many gardens around the world for its vibrant purple-blue flowers which mature into bright red berries.
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More Plants in Maldives

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Most Common Flowers

The Maldives, with its tropical climate and nutrient-rich soil, provides an ideal environment for a diverse range of native flowers. Among these, the , , and stand out for their vibrant colors and symbolic significance. These flowers add to the visual splendor of the region and play a crucial role in preserving the ecological balance. Reliable sources confirm the veracity of this information, ensuring a trustworthy account of the characteristic local flowers in the Maldives.

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Most Common Fruits

The Maldives, with its tropical monsoon climate and fertile, sandy soil, provides an idyllic environment for the cultivation of indigenous fruit plants. Plants like , , and not only thrive in this setting but hold significant cultural value, often intertwined with the local customs and culinary traditions. These fruit plants contribute to the archipelago's biodiversity and play a key role in sustaining the dietary and economic needs of the inhabitants.

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Most Common Trees

The Maldives, with its tropical climate and sandy soil, provides a favorable environment for the growth of native trees. Among the iconic trees found here are the majestic , known for its vibrant blooms, the resilient , known for providing shade and shelter in coastal areas, and the enchanting , cherished for its medicinal properties. These trees have deep cultural significance, being deeply rooted in the island's traditions and playing a vital role in preserving the delicate ecological balance of the region.

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Most Common Weeds

The warm, humid climate and sandy soils of the Maldives create an ideal habitat for a variety of garden weeds. Among these, , , and are particularly common, flourishing in this tropical paradise. The pervasive spread of such weeds poses challenges for gardeners and landscapers, who must regularly combat their growth to maintain healthy, aesthetically pleasing environments.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Basking in a tropical climate nourished by monsoon winds, the Maldives supports a biodiverse ecology conducive to the growth of lofty trees. Among these towering plants, , , and stand tall, punctuating the skyline with their majestic canopies. These arboreal giants are not only visually imposing but serve as critical components of the local ecosystem and cultural heritage, symbolizing the organic grandeur of these island atolls.

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Most Common Plants

In Maldives, you can find Beach naupaka, Java apple, Common coconut palm, Tropical almond, Sea hibiscus, and more! There are 166 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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