Poisonous Plants

Weed Talk: By Martin Chatfield Landcare Community Weed Officer. WOSPA (weeds of significant poisonous attributes) Hemlock (conium maculatum) Classification: noxious, regionally controlled. Hemlock contains five toxic alkaloids which vary in concentration due to climatic conditions. The fruit, vegetative parts and roots are all poisonous to humans and stock. The Greek philosopher Socrates is said to have been executed with hemlock. In Victoria a child died from hemlock poisoning in 1994. Handling the plant can cause dermatitis in some people. This weed is often mistaken for carrot weed emerging in autumn with its leaves deeply divided with a ferny appearance; masses of small white flowers develop in late spring -early summer and then it dies back. Hemlock will colonise areas of bare ground in pastures and bushland and prevent the growth of more desirable species. Small infestations can be hand pulled but heavy rubber gloves should be worn. Larger areas can be foliar sprayed with the specified registered chemical. Caper Spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) Classification: environmental weed. This nasty plant has a milky-like sap is heavy in alkaloids and can cause irritation and swelling to the human body, particularly sensitive areas such as the eyes. It has also been associated with stock poisoning. The juvenile plant has a stout erect stem with leaves opposite with a bluish-green colour. A white line runs the lengths of the leaf. When the plant matures it takes on a bush form. I have often seen this plant being sold at markets. Grubbing or pulling out plant is effective once again wear rubber type gloves and avoid skin contact with the white sap. . . .