Poisonous Plants in Namibia: What to Avoid

Toxic Flora of Namibia

Oleander (Nerium oleander)

All parts toxic; causes nausea, arrhythmia, death. Common ornamental.

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

Seeds contain ricin—lethal in milligram doses. Invasive weed.

Thorn Apple / Datura (Datura stramonium, D. ferox)

Atropine/scopolamine; hallucinations, tachycardia, coma. Grows in disturbed soil.

Euphorbia spp. (e.g., E. virosa, E. damarana)

Caustic latex causes severe skin/eye burns, blindness; ingestion → organ failure.

African Boxwood (Buxus macowanii)

Alkaloids cause vomiting, seizures, paralysis. Rare, in rocky hills.

Gifblaar (Dichapetalum cymosum)

Fluoroacetate; sudden heart failure in livestock; dangerous to humans.

Safety

• Do not eat unknown plants.
• Wear gloves when clearing vegetation.
• Seek immediate medical care if exposure suspected.