Top 14 Most Common Toxic Plants in Somalia

Somalia's arid climate with sporadic rainfall provides a challenging environment that favors hardy species, including numerous toxic plants. Despite limited water sources, certain resilient flora such as Castor bean, Crown Flower, and Durian thrive, posing potential risks to livestock and human populations. Recurrent droughts may further concentrate these plants’ toxicity, elevating the prevalence and hazards associated with these species in Somalia.

Most Common Toxic Plants

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

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4. 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.

5. Evergreen oak

Evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) is a plant species native to the Mediterranean region. The name "holly" originates from holm, its ancient name. This species is often planted in parks. In ancient times, evergreen oak was used to construct pillars, tools, and wagons. This species is one of three species used to establish truffle orchards. The oldest member of this species is estimated to be 1,200 years old and grows in Spain.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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.

10. Downy oak

Downy oak (Quercus pubescens) is a deciduous tree that will grow from 12 to 18 m tall and have a 6 to 12 m spread. The oval acorns provide food for small animals and birds. Thrives in full sun and prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates low humidity and dry summer conditions. Native to southern Europe and Asia, it may be affected by oak wilt, chestnut blight or powdery mildew.

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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. European heliotrope

The scientific name of european heliotrope (*Heliotropium europaeum*) has an interesting backstory. In Greek myth, Clytis was madly in love with Helios, the sun god, but this was unrequited, and Clytis became inconsolable. She stopped eating, and Helios, feeling sorry for her, turned her into a flower. This doomed her to follow the sun for all eternity. The tale lives on in the name european heliotrope, which comes from "helio" (meaning "sun") and "trope" (meaning "to turn").

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More Plants in Somalia

Most Common Flowers

Somalia's climate and soil offer favorable conditions for the growth of native flowers. Among the resplendent blossoms found there are , , and . These flowers not only add visual beauty to the region but also hold great ecological importance. While respecting the sources for their reliability, this concise summary highlights the characteristic local flowers and their significance in Somalia.

Most Common Fruits

Somalia's warm climate and arid to semi-arid soils provide a unique environment for fruit cultivation, favoring robust local species. Key among these are , , and , which are not only adapted to withstand the Somali weather patterns but are also deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the region. These fruit plants hold not only nutritional value but also economic significance for the local population, being integral to both diet and trade.

Most Common Trees

Somalia, with its arid and semi-arid climate, harbors a diverse array of native trees that have adapted to survive in the challenging environment. Among the emblematic trees are , , and . These trees play a vital role in the region's ecosystem, providing shade, shelter, and sustenance for both humans and wildlife. Furthermore, they hold cultural significance, as they are deeply intertwined with local traditions and are used for medicinal purposes. Their presence highlights the resilience and value of Somalia's native flora.

Most Common Weeds

In the arid to semi-arid climate of Somalia, gardeners contend with harsh growing conditions that yield hardy weeds adept at surviving drought and infertile soil. Amongst the most common garden weeds, , , and are prevalent, each posing its own unique challenges to both commercial and subsistence agriculture. Effective weed management is a continuous battle due to both the resilience of these species and the limitations in available control measures.

Most Common Tall Trees

Somalia's semi-arid climate and sparse savannahs are occasionally graced by giants of the flora kingdom, thriving despite challenging conditions. Among these, , , and stand as lofty symbols of resilience, punctuating the landscape with their impressive heights. These species offer more than sheer scale; they are bastions of biodiversity and vessels of cultural lore, revered in both ecological and historical narratives for their towering presence.

Most Common Plants

In Somalia, you can find Grain sorghum, Buffel-grass, Solanum campylacanthum, Watermelon, Jungle rice, and more! There are 124 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.