Dangerous plants to children
What you need to know:
There are some plants that look nice in the garden but they might be dangerous for children.
Last week, a friend was disconcerted about an incident she had witnessed in Mengo. A child fell into a bed of cactus plants and was badly hurt. This got me thinking about the plants people should or should not be planting in their gardens.
Below, Paddy Namanya, Manager at The Flower Centre, Freedom City Mall in Najjanankumbi talks about the dangerous compound plants for homes with children.
People who have overgrown trees in their compounds should trim them. For example when palms overgrow, their branches can break any time and hit someone. Not just the children, but any member of the family. Therefore, when buying a plant, get proper advice from a gardener or the person you are buying the plant from.
CACTUAS
Cacti, because of the nature of their leaves. They are thorny, so if a child gets into contact with them, the thorns will injure them.
AGAVE
There is another plant called Agave which also has long leaves, but with a thorn at the end. That can also be dangerous to children.
CYCADS
Cycads are also dangerous because of the nature of their leaves. They grow like palms, but their leaves are divided into small leaflets. At the end of the leaves, they are thorny. Also, when you cut off the leaves, they have those sharp endings that remain on the stems which can be dangerous.
TUBER ROSES
There are plants that have strong scents, like Tuber Roses, that can affect children with nasal allergies.
DIFENBACHEAS
Difenbacheas are the other type that people know about. There is a type called “Dumb Cane”, if a child gets into contact with the sap that comes from its leaves. It has been said that if they eat it, it can make them dumb after some time. And if they don’t get proper medical attention, it can lead to death if consumed in large quantities.
CANE
Sugarcane plants have sharp leaves, which can cut children.
PASPALUM
Some people have Paspalum in their compounds, but most people are now getting rid of it, because it’s itchy. Children like to roll over and slide while playing. So, at the end of the day, when they are bathing, their skins get itchy.
