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Top 20 Most Common Toxic Plants in Zambia

Zambia's diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannas to forests, create an environment conducive to a wide array of flora, including toxic species. The moist conditions in certain areas are especially favorable for poisonous plants. The presence of Golden dewdrops, Sago palm, and Rough horsetail in Zambia reflects the adaptability of toxic plants to its climates. This raises environmental and health concerns due to the potential risks they pose to humans and wildlife.

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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
Sago palm
2. 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
Dieffenbachia
3. 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
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Rough horsetail
4. Rough horsetail
Rough horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) is an evergreen perennial. An aggressive grower, it reproduces through spores and is non-flowering. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is pest resistant. It provides erosion control, grows well in wetlands and makes an interesting addition to water gardens. Expected height of 61 to 91 cm.
Toxic to:
Human
Bird of paradise
5. 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
6. 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
Dutchman's pipe
7. Dutchman's pipe
Dutchman's pipe is a hardy, deciduous vine that climbs trellises or walls and can provide privacy or shade with its dense, heart-shaped leaves. This vine grows small pipe-shaped flowers that give it its name. Dutchman's pipe attracts many swallowtail butterflies with its pretty little blooms.
Toxic to:
Human
Turkey berry
8. 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
American elder
9. American elder
American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a North American native deciduous shrub with enormous inflorescence of grouped small white flowers and dangling bunches of mauveine berries. When cooked, the fruits can be added to pies, pancakes, and jellies. Wine can also be produced from its flowers and fruits. The bushy leaves and arching branches attract wildlife, providing nesting space for birds.
Toxic to:
Human
Heart of jesus
10. 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
Flame lily
11. 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
Poison ivy
12. Poison ivy
In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.
Toxic to:
Human
Potato
13. 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
Coffee senna
14. Coffee senna
Coffee senna (*Senna occidentalis*) is a perennial shrub that prefers warm and humid environments. It is sometimes considered an invasive weed that grows in open woodlands, waste areas, and roadsides. It blooms in spring with yellow flowers, followed by brown fruit in late summer and early fall. Seeds can be used as a coffee substitute, although it does not contain caffeine.
Striped barbados lily
15. 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
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
Tropical whiteweed
17. Tropical whiteweed
Tropical whiteweed (Ageratum conyzoides) has a very shallow root system, making it capable of growing in thin and rocky soils along just as well as deep and fertile soil. Their seeds have tiny hairs attached to passing wildlife, allowing them to be spread far and wide. The genus name of this plant, Ageratums, means "non-aging" in Greek and refers to its robust growth and long life.
Bloodflower
18. Bloodflower
Plants of the Asclepias curassavica genus are extremely toxic to dogs—immediate veterinary attention should be sought if your dog has consumed anything of this type. Toxins are found in all parts of the plant. Symptoms of poisoning from bloodflower include weakness, dilated pupils, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more serious cases, these symptoms may progress towards difficulty breathing, an elevated heart rate, organ failure, coma, or death.
Toxic to:
Human & Pets
Asthma-plant
19. 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
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 Zambia

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Most Common Flowers

Zambia boasts a diverse climate and fertile soil, creating an ideal environment for a variety of native flowers. Among these blossoms, , , and stand out as the most characteristic. These flowers not only add visual beauty to the region with their vibrant colors and unique shapes but also hold cultural significance and ecological importance. Reliable sources validate the existence and attributes of these flowers, making them integral to Zambia's floral heritage.

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Most Common Fruits

Zambia's tropical savanna climate, rich, well-drained soils, and distinct rainy and dry seasons provide an ideal environment for the cultivation of local fruit plants. Prominent among these are , , and , each deeply rooted in Zambian culture and essential to local diets, traditions, and economy. Their prevalence underscores the nation's agricultural affinity and the symbiotic relationship between the Zambian people and their native flora.

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Most Common Trees

Zambia's climatic conditions and soil composition create a favorable environment for the growth of indigenous trees. Among the emblematic trees found in this region are , , and . These trees hold immense cultural and ecological value within Zambia, providing benefits such as shade, medicinal properties, and support for wildlife habitats. Their presence contributes to the rich biodiversity and preserves the unique identity of Zambia's natural landscape.

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Most Common Weeds

Zambia's warm, tropical climate and frequent rainfalls create an ideal environment for a variety of garden weeds. These weeds, such as , , and , pose significant challenges for local gardeners and landscapers. They thrive amidst vegetable plots and flower beds alike, competing fiercely for nutrients, space, and sunlight. Effective weed management is essential to preserve the health and beauty of Zambian gardens.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled amid a climate of wet summers and dry winters, Zambia's terrain, a tapestry of woodlands and savannas, is poised to nurture soaring arboreal titans. Among the giants, , , and stand as testimonials to nature's grandiose design, anchoring ecosystems and whispering tales of ancient earth. These towering trees both dominate the skyline and serve pivotal roles in sustaining local biodiversity and cultural legacies.

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Most Common Plants

In Zambia, you can find Mango tree, Golden dewdrops, Yellow butterfly palm, Garden croton, Chinese hibiscus, and more! There are 591 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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