Poisonous plants of South Africa

Published by Briza Publications, 2002, hardcover, illustrated, index, 288 pages, condition: new.

Poisonous plants of South Africa is a guide to the most commonly occurring poisonous plants in South Africa. The title includes: Detailed species descriptions of 135 poisonous plants. Each entry includes the following information: a description of the plant, the type of toxin, the potential toxicity of the plant and its importance in human or livestock poisoning, the poisonous ingredients and their pharmacological effects. Distribution maps for poisonous plants that occur naturally in the wild. More than 450 full-colour photographs that will assist in the identification of poisonous plants and plant parts. Introductory chapters on human and animal poisoning in South Africa, first aid treatment, methods of testing for toxicity, extraction and isolation of toxins and poisonous principles and their effects. Plant lists according to class of toxin and type of livestock poisoning as well as a useful checklist of poisonous plants and a glossary of medical terms.

The author, BEN-ERIK VAN WYK is a professor of Botany at the University of Johannesburg with a research interest in systematic botany and plant utilization. He is the author of international scientific bestsellers such as Medicinal Plants of the World and Food Plants of the World.