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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Panama

Panama's humid tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and dense rainforest ecosystems create a fertile breeding ground for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. The country's ample rainfall, temperature range, and well-drained soils allow species like Dieffenbachia, Heart of jesus, and Devil's-backbone to thrive. The prevalence of such toxic plants poses potential risks to humans and animals inhabiting or exploring these regions.

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Most Common Toxic Plants
Dieffenbachia
1. 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
2. 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
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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Devil's-backbone
4. 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
Asthma-plant
5. 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
Star of Bethlehem
6. 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
Striped barbados lily
7. 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
Bird of paradise
8. 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
Castor bean
9. 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
Turkey berry
10. 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
Barbados nut
11. 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
Mexican fireplant
12. 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
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
Potato
14. 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
Jerusalem cherry
15. 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
Sprenger's asparagus fern
16. Sprenger's asparagus fern
Sprenger's asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) is a fern species native to South Africa. Despite its common name, this plant is not a true fern by taxonomy. Sprenger's asparagus fern is generally considered to be an invasive species. The common name was established by Carl Ludwig Sprenger who popularized cultivating sprenger's asparagus fern as an ornamental plant.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Bellyache bush
17. 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
18. 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
Donkey ears
19. Donkey ears
A fast-growing succulent, donkey ears has waxy, ear-like leaves that can grow up to 52 cm long. New plants grow on the tips of the leaves. When the leaves reach the soil, they will take root and form new plants.
Toxic to:
Pets
Durian
20. 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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More Plants in Panama

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Most Common Flowers

Panama's tropical climate and rich soil provide an ideal environment for a diverse array of native flowers. Among them, , , and stand out as the most characteristic blossoms in the region. These flowers not only contribute to the visual beauty of Panama but also hold symbolic and ecological significance. With precise information from trusted sources, we can explore the captivating world of these flowers and appreciate their essence in the Panamanian environment.

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Most Common Fruits

Panama's tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create an ideal environment for a diversity of fruit plants. Renowned for both its humidity and rainfall, the country provides plenty of water to sustain vigorous growth. Among the myriad fruits, , , and stand out not only for their flavors but also for their cultural resonance locally. These fruit plants are deep-rooted in the country's culinary and export traditions, reflecting Panama's rich agricultural tapestry.

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Most Common Trees

Panama's tropical climate and rich soil make it a haven for diverse native trees. Among the emblematic species are , , and . These trees play a significant role in the region's culture and ecology. provides valuable timber, while is known for its medicinal properties. is revered for its environmental benefits, such as providing habitat for wildlife. Together, these trees contribute to the unique and vibrant ecosystem of Panama.

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Most Common Weeds

Panama's humid tropical climate with abundant rainfall creates a lush environment conducive to a variety of garden weeds. Among the most common, , , and persistently spring up in gardens, often outcompeting desired flora. They pose a significant challenge for gardeners and landscapers who strive to maintain pristine green spaces, requiring continual vigilance and management to curb their invasive growth.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Panama, cradled between the Caribbean and the Pacific, is a hotbed for growth with its tropical climate and rich, varied terrain. Here, colossal trees such as , , and punctuate the landscape, surging skyward as emblems of the area’s verdant biodiversity. They stand as living monuments, vital to both the ecological harmony and the historical tapestry that nestle within the country’s lush rainforests.

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Most Common Plants

In Panama, you can find Madagascar periwinkle, Garden croton, Flame of the woods, Common coleus, Ti plant, and more! There are 3,113 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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17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
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