If
your crime novel or short story is going to feature a poison, then research is
vital. Apparently, around 1800 more than 90% of poisoning cases were caused by
toxic plants; nowadays, they account for about 7%. Many sources conflict
regarding toxicity so seek out more than one reference, if possible.
Some
plant poisons are quickly fatal, like oleander or Jericho rose, Barbados nut,
banewort, moonseed, muskrat weed, jimsonweed, lily of the valley, monkshood and
rhododendron, for example.
If
your villain plans to kill a victim with a toxic plant, then the taste needs to
be disguised. As you would guess, salads are popular, as are casseroles –
though bear in mind that cooking may reduce the effectiveness of the poison.
Our
garden contained many aloes, which are liable to poke out your eye if you’re
not careful. We decided to remove them for the sake of our grandchildren. Other
resident plants are oleanders, which are staying, even though they’re
considered to be ‘the most dangerous flowers on earth’. With that kind of
comment, you’ll appreciate that caution is called for with regard to these
evergreen colourful bushes. In Italy it’s used as a funeral plant – just make
sure the funeral isn’t yours or a loved one’s.
Oleander - Wikipedia commons
The
oleander is found almost anywhere. On the central reservations of our dual
carriageways here in Spain, it provides splashes of colour – red, white and
pink blossoms. Once it takes hold, it requires little watering.
All
parts of the plant, including the nectar of the flower, are poisonous. So is
the smoke from burning the plant; and even the water in which it may be placed.
The poison contains cardiac glycosides, oldendrin and nerioside.
The
poison acts immediately; it is a cardiac stimulator, causing sweating,
vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis, and death.
Recommended
treatment is prompt vomiting and to quickly seek medical aid.
Like
many poisonous substances, they possess beneficial properties too. Extracts of
oleander have been employed in the treatment of leprosy. In Europe the plant
has been used as a rat poison.
It
has also been used as an abortifacient, and as a means of suicide. In Sanskrit
the plant’s name means ‘Horse Killer’; in Arabic and Italian, ‘Ass Killer’.
Goats, however, seem immune! Moral: treat
this plant with respect, don’t be an ass and horse around with it…
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