Poisonous plants grow on the Peninsula

Recent alarmist news reports from overseas recently highlighted the problems that can arise from using the powerful ingredients in some plants.

One of the plants mentioned, ricinis communis, more commonly known as castor oil plant, appears to be growing freely on the Peninsula, both on private land and on council-owned land.

The plants frequently grow to flowering stage in places such as rubbish tips, railway lines and sidings, as well as disused land all over NSW.

According to the information obtained from Gosford Council web site, the plants are not declared as a noxious weed, yet in Hornsby LGA, the castor oil plants are declared noxious.

Unfortunately information from the NSW Department of Health could not be located on-line but according to the Queensland Department of Health web site, the castor oil plant is a poisonous plant that can cause serious illness to children who eat them.

The site provides information and can be found at www.health.qld.gov.au.

There are many other garden variety plants that can also be dangerous to people and animals on the Peninsula.

Plants such as rhubarb and oleanders also contain poisonous parts that Peninsula residents need to take care if ingested.

If confronted by a poison case, people should call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126, which is available nationally.

Stephen McNamara, February 5