Examples of plant families that contain species that are safe for human consumption and species that are poisonous to humans?
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I am trying to make a point to someone that just because two plants share a family and one plant is safe for human consumption, it does not follow that the other plant also is safe for human consumption. Can anyone provide an example I can use as proof?
botany
asked Sep 22 at 17:52
Im_no_botanist
11814
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up vote
23
down vote
favorite
I am trying to make a point to someone that just because two plants share a family and one plant is safe for human consumption, it does not follow that the other plant also is safe for human consumption. Can anyone provide an example I can use as proof?
botany
asked Sep 22 at 17:52
Im_no_botanist
11814
7
Well, given that often enough a plant is considered "edible", while parts of THE SAME PLANT are already poisonous (see the potato), it stands to reason that the definition of "safe for human consumption" is far too lax of a term to even allow for a clear "no there aren't any". [Also there's a ton of counterexamples, like Byans below]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:30
1
"family" in itself is such a borad term, that even a pure explanation to what a plant family is accidentallly provided an answer to your question: maximumyield.com/definition/785/plant-family [it's the nightshades again though, but this shows how valid your point is]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:32
add a comment |Â
up vote
23
down vote
favorite
up vote
23
down vote
favorite
I am trying to make a point to someone that just because two plants share a family and one plant is safe for human consumption, it does not follow that the other plant also is safe for human consumption. Can anyone provide an example I can use as proof?
botany
asked Sep 22 at 17:52
Im_no_botanist
11814
I am trying to make a point to someone that just because two plants share a family and one plant is safe for human consumption, it does not follow that the other plant also is safe for human consumption. Can anyone provide an example I can use as proof?
botany
botany
asked Sep 22 at 17:52
Im_no_botanist
11814
asked Sep 22 at 17:52
Im_no_botanist
11814
asked Sep 22 at 17:52
Im_no_botanist
11814
asked Sep 22 at 17:52
Im_no_botanist
11814
asked Sep 22 at 17:52
Im_no_botanist
11814
11814
7
Well, given that often enough a plant is considered "edible", while parts of THE SAME PLANT are already poisonous (see the potato), it stands to reason that the definition of "safe for human consumption" is far too lax of a term to even allow for a clear "no there aren't any". [Also there's a ton of counterexamples, like Byans below]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:30
1
"family" in itself is such a borad term, that even a pure explanation to what a plant family is accidentallly provided an answer to your question: maximumyield.com/definition/785/plant-family [it's the nightshades again though, but this shows how valid your point is]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:32
add a comment |Â
7
Well, given that often enough a plant is considered "edible", while parts of THE SAME PLANT are already poisonous (see the potato), it stands to reason that the definition of "safe for human consumption" is far too lax of a term to even allow for a clear "no there aren't any". [Also there's a ton of counterexamples, like Byans below]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:30
1
"family" in itself is such a borad term, that even a pure explanation to what a plant family is accidentallly provided an answer to your question: maximumyield.com/definition/785/plant-family [it's the nightshades again though, but this shows how valid your point is]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:32
7
7
Well, given that often enough a plant is considered "edible", while parts of THE SAME PLANT are already poisonous (see the potato), it stands to reason that the definition of "safe for human consumption" is far too lax of a term to even allow for a clear "no there aren't any". [Also there's a ton of counterexamples, like Byans below]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:30
Well, given that often enough a plant is considered "edible", while parts of THE SAME PLANT are already poisonous (see the potato), it stands to reason that the definition of "safe for human consumption" is far too lax of a term to even allow for a clear "no there aren't any". [Also there's a ton of counterexamples, like Byans below]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:30
1
1
"family" in itself is such a borad term, that even a pure explanation to what a plant family is accidentallly provided an answer to your question: maximumyield.com/definition/785/plant-family [it's the nightshades again though, but this shows how valid your point is]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:32
"family" in itself is such a borad term, that even a pure explanation to what a plant family is accidentallly provided an answer to your question: maximumyield.com/definition/785/plant-family [it's the nightshades again though, but this shows how valid your point is]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:32
add a comment |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
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up vote
55
down vote
accepted
The most classic example if you want to win this argument would be the family Solanaceae.
Also referred to as the Nightshade family, it includes the deadly nightshade or Atropa belladonna and many other plants not safe to eat.
Other members of the family are tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and more.
Plant families can be massively diverse, and toxicity doesn't really have much relationship to family. Most of the compounds that are found in plants that are toxic are found in other non-toxic plants as well: dose is crucial.
answered Sep 22 at 18:59
Bryan Krause
16.7k22949
21
Potato is also an example of a plant that is considered non-toxic, but parts of the plant are toxic and - even worse - the tubers can become toxic. The green parts (leaves, stems, etc) contain a poisonous alkaloid. If a potato in storage starts to sprout, the sprouts and eyes are often toxic. If the potato itself enlarges while sprouting, it will also typically have elevated toxicity.
– Peter
Sep 23 at 11:14
9
@Peter: Another common example is rhubarb. The stems are edible (at least when cooked), but the leaves are toxic due to concentrations of oxalic acid.
– jamesqf
Sep 23 at 18:23
1
I believe that if the potato tuber is exposed to sunlight as the plant grows, it will also become green and poisonous, like the leaves.
– Arthur
Sep 24 at 14:40
2
Indeed, not just potatoes - tomatoes are toxic as well (leaves, unripe fruit...), and arguably, so are peppers (not "deadly" toxic, but the capsaicin is definitely another thing "designed" to make mammals avoid eating the fruit; it's not spicy to birds, who are the primary dispersers of pepper seeds) and eggplant (though that one has been pretty effectively domesticated to be safe as long as it's not raw). But it still definitely counts as "safe for human consumption" as long as you avoid the poisonous parts.
– Luaan
Sep 25 at 7:55
Mmmmm...fried green tomatoes! So cooking eliminates the toxicity of unripe tomato fruits, @Luaan?
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:43
 |Â
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up vote
34
down vote
The Apiaceae family has many edible plants including carrot, parsley, fennel, celery, and parsnip, and has toxic plants such as poison hemlock, fool's parsley, and giant hogweed.
answered Sep 23 at 1:18
mgkrebbs
4,91511634
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up vote
28
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Both the cashew and poison ivy are members of the Anacardiaceae family.
answered Sep 22 at 22:16
MTA
38112
15
For what it's worth, part of the cashew plant is actually lethally toxic as well.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 2:16
1
@AustinHemmelgarn which parts are toxic? Any sources?
– Mahesh
Sep 23 at 11:33
8
The shell of the nut itself,, which is why they're almost always sold with the shells already removed.. Just like poison ivy, it has oils that cause contact dermatitis, and if ingested can cause potentially lethal internal reactions in the digestive tract. Also like poison ivy,, the smoke from burning the shells is really dangerous because the oils don't completely combust.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 12:03
The poison ivy, oak, and sumac all used to be in the genus Rhus alon gwith edible sumac used as a spice.
– kingledion
Sep 25 at 16:14
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up vote
10
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Fungi are not plants and you've tagged this as botany, so this is perhaps off-topic, but I feel like it might help you make your point: the genus Amanita contains extremely toxic species (A. phalloides), highly regarded edible ones (A. caesarea) as well as psychoactive ones (A. muscaria).
answered Sep 23 at 15:42
Cassiterite
2012
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up vote
8
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While all the other answers have described one plant family having both edible species as well as poisonous species, I am compiling all the families in one answer.
- Anacardiaceae
Mangos (Mangifera indica) and Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) belong to Anacardiaceae, and also the poisonous Sumacs (Rhus spp.).
- Apiaceae
Carrots (Daucus carrota), Parsnips (Pastinica sativa), Dill (Anethum graveolens) and the poisonous Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Water Hemlock (Cicuta spp.)
- Apocynaceae
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and the poisonous Dogbane (Apocynum spp.) is commonly known as the poisonous relative of Milkweed.
- Ranunculaceae
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustrus) and the poisonous Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.)
- Solanaceae
Food crops like Potatoes and Tomatoes and deadly poisons like Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Jimson Weed (Datura spp.) etc.
References
- https://survivalcache.com/5-poisonous-plant-families-the-survivalist-should-know/
- http://www.botanyeveryday.com/online-classes/2013-plant-talk-8-poisonous-plant-families
- http://mentalfloss.com/article/69254/8-edible-plants-potentially-deadly-doppelgangers
answered Sep 24 at 5:34
Nilay Ghosh
23538
7
This would be better as a community answer.
– CJ Dennis
Sep 24 at 5:39
1
See Prunus Dulcis: bitter almond vs. sweet almond – contains enough cyanide that "approximately 50 bitter almonds" will kill an adult and "5–10 bitter almonds may be fatal" for children.
– Nigel Touch
Sep 25 at 16:51
Many common names are reused for different plants. This is true for "buttercup" which is also used for daffodils and pink evening primrose. Thanks for including the binomial.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:53
add a comment |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
55
down vote
accepted
The most classic example if you want to win this argument would be the family Solanaceae.
Also referred to as the Nightshade family, it includes the deadly nightshade or Atropa belladonna and many other plants not safe to eat.
Other members of the family are tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and more.
Plant families can be massively diverse, and toxicity doesn't really have much relationship to family. Most of the compounds that are found in plants that are toxic are found in other non-toxic plants as well: dose is crucial.
answered Sep 22 at 18:59
Bryan Krause
16.7k22949
21
Potato is also an example of a plant that is considered non-toxic, but parts of the plant are toxic and - even worse - the tubers can become toxic. The green parts (leaves, stems, etc) contain a poisonous alkaloid. If a potato in storage starts to sprout, the sprouts and eyes are often toxic. If the potato itself enlarges while sprouting, it will also typically have elevated toxicity.
– Peter
Sep 23 at 11:14
9
@Peter: Another common example is rhubarb. The stems are edible (at least when cooked), but the leaves are toxic due to concentrations of oxalic acid.
– jamesqf
Sep 23 at 18:23
1
I believe that if the potato tuber is exposed to sunlight as the plant grows, it will also become green and poisonous, like the leaves.
– Arthur
Sep 24 at 14:40
2
Indeed, not just potatoes - tomatoes are toxic as well (leaves, unripe fruit...), and arguably, so are peppers (not "deadly" toxic, but the capsaicin is definitely another thing "designed" to make mammals avoid eating the fruit; it's not spicy to birds, who are the primary dispersers of pepper seeds) and eggplant (though that one has been pretty effectively domesticated to be safe as long as it's not raw). But it still definitely counts as "safe for human consumption" as long as you avoid the poisonous parts.
– Luaan
Sep 25 at 7:55
Mmmmm...fried green tomatoes! So cooking eliminates the toxicity of unripe tomato fruits, @Luaan?
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:43
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
55
down vote
accepted
The most classic example if you want to win this argument would be the family Solanaceae.
Also referred to as the Nightshade family, it includes the deadly nightshade or Atropa belladonna and many other plants not safe to eat.
Other members of the family are tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and more.
Plant families can be massively diverse, and toxicity doesn't really have much relationship to family. Most of the compounds that are found in plants that are toxic are found in other non-toxic plants as well: dose is crucial.
answered Sep 22 at 18:59
Bryan Krause
16.7k22949
21
Potato is also an example of a plant that is considered non-toxic, but parts of the plant are toxic and - even worse - the tubers can become toxic. The green parts (leaves, stems, etc) contain a poisonous alkaloid. If a potato in storage starts to sprout, the sprouts and eyes are often toxic. If the potato itself enlarges while sprouting, it will also typically have elevated toxicity.
– Peter
Sep 23 at 11:14
9
@Peter: Another common example is rhubarb. The stems are edible (at least when cooked), but the leaves are toxic due to concentrations of oxalic acid.
– jamesqf
Sep 23 at 18:23
1
I believe that if the potato tuber is exposed to sunlight as the plant grows, it will also become green and poisonous, like the leaves.
– Arthur
Sep 24 at 14:40
2
Indeed, not just potatoes - tomatoes are toxic as well (leaves, unripe fruit...), and arguably, so are peppers (not "deadly" toxic, but the capsaicin is definitely another thing "designed" to make mammals avoid eating the fruit; it's not spicy to birds, who are the primary dispersers of pepper seeds) and eggplant (though that one has been pretty effectively domesticated to be safe as long as it's not raw). But it still definitely counts as "safe for human consumption" as long as you avoid the poisonous parts.
– Luaan
Sep 25 at 7:55
Mmmmm...fried green tomatoes! So cooking eliminates the toxicity of unripe tomato fruits, @Luaan?
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:43
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
55
down vote
accepted
up vote
55
down vote
accepted
The most classic example if you want to win this argument would be the family Solanaceae.
Also referred to as the Nightshade family, it includes the deadly nightshade or Atropa belladonna and many other plants not safe to eat.
Other members of the family are tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and more.
Plant families can be massively diverse, and toxicity doesn't really have much relationship to family. Most of the compounds that are found in plants that are toxic are found in other non-toxic plants as well: dose is crucial.
answered Sep 22 at 18:59
Bryan Krause
16.7k22949
The most classic example if you want to win this argument would be the family Solanaceae.
Also referred to as the Nightshade family, it includes the deadly nightshade or Atropa belladonna and many other plants not safe to eat.
Other members of the family are tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and more.
Plant families can be massively diverse, and toxicity doesn't really have much relationship to family. Most of the compounds that are found in plants that are toxic are found in other non-toxic plants as well: dose is crucial.
answered Sep 22 at 18:59
Bryan Krause
16.7k22949
answered Sep 22 at 18:59
Bryan Krause
16.7k22949
answered Sep 22 at 18:59
Bryan Krause
16.7k22949
answered Sep 22 at 18:59
Bryan Krause
16.7k22949
16.7k22949
21
Potato is also an example of a plant that is considered non-toxic, but parts of the plant are toxic and - even worse - the tubers can become toxic. The green parts (leaves, stems, etc) contain a poisonous alkaloid. If a potato in storage starts to sprout, the sprouts and eyes are often toxic. If the potato itself enlarges while sprouting, it will also typically have elevated toxicity.
– Peter
Sep 23 at 11:14
9
@Peter: Another common example is rhubarb. The stems are edible (at least when cooked), but the leaves are toxic due to concentrations of oxalic acid.
– jamesqf
Sep 23 at 18:23
1
I believe that if the potato tuber is exposed to sunlight as the plant grows, it will also become green and poisonous, like the leaves.
– Arthur
Sep 24 at 14:40
2
Indeed, not just potatoes - tomatoes are toxic as well (leaves, unripe fruit...), and arguably, so are peppers (not "deadly" toxic, but the capsaicin is definitely another thing "designed" to make mammals avoid eating the fruit; it's not spicy to birds, who are the primary dispersers of pepper seeds) and eggplant (though that one has been pretty effectively domesticated to be safe as long as it's not raw). But it still definitely counts as "safe for human consumption" as long as you avoid the poisonous parts.
– Luaan
Sep 25 at 7:55
Mmmmm...fried green tomatoes! So cooking eliminates the toxicity of unripe tomato fruits, @Luaan?
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:43
 |Â
show 1 more comment
21
Potato is also an example of a plant that is considered non-toxic, but parts of the plant are toxic and - even worse - the tubers can become toxic. The green parts (leaves, stems, etc) contain a poisonous alkaloid. If a potato in storage starts to sprout, the sprouts and eyes are often toxic. If the potato itself enlarges while sprouting, it will also typically have elevated toxicity.
– Peter
Sep 23 at 11:14
9
@Peter: Another common example is rhubarb. The stems are edible (at least when cooked), but the leaves are toxic due to concentrations of oxalic acid.
– jamesqf
Sep 23 at 18:23
1
I believe that if the potato tuber is exposed to sunlight as the plant grows, it will also become green and poisonous, like the leaves.
– Arthur
Sep 24 at 14:40
2
Indeed, not just potatoes - tomatoes are toxic as well (leaves, unripe fruit...), and arguably, so are peppers (not "deadly" toxic, but the capsaicin is definitely another thing "designed" to make mammals avoid eating the fruit; it's not spicy to birds, who are the primary dispersers of pepper seeds) and eggplant (though that one has been pretty effectively domesticated to be safe as long as it's not raw). But it still definitely counts as "safe for human consumption" as long as you avoid the poisonous parts.
– Luaan
Sep 25 at 7:55
Mmmmm...fried green tomatoes! So cooking eliminates the toxicity of unripe tomato fruits, @Luaan?
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:43
21
21
Potato is also an example of a plant that is considered non-toxic, but parts of the plant are toxic and - even worse - the tubers can become toxic. The green parts (leaves, stems, etc) contain a poisonous alkaloid. If a potato in storage starts to sprout, the sprouts and eyes are often toxic. If the potato itself enlarges while sprouting, it will also typically have elevated toxicity.
– Peter
Sep 23 at 11:14
Potato is also an example of a plant that is considered non-toxic, but parts of the plant are toxic and - even worse - the tubers can become toxic. The green parts (leaves, stems, etc) contain a poisonous alkaloid. If a potato in storage starts to sprout, the sprouts and eyes are often toxic. If the potato itself enlarges while sprouting, it will also typically have elevated toxicity.
– Peter
Sep 23 at 11:14
9
9
@Peter: Another common example is rhubarb. The stems are edible (at least when cooked), but the leaves are toxic due to concentrations of oxalic acid.
– jamesqf
Sep 23 at 18:23
@Peter: Another common example is rhubarb. The stems are edible (at least when cooked), but the leaves are toxic due to concentrations of oxalic acid.
– jamesqf
Sep 23 at 18:23
1
1
I believe that if the potato tuber is exposed to sunlight as the plant grows, it will also become green and poisonous, like the leaves.
– Arthur
Sep 24 at 14:40
I believe that if the potato tuber is exposed to sunlight as the plant grows, it will also become green and poisonous, like the leaves.
– Arthur
Sep 24 at 14:40
2
2
Indeed, not just potatoes - tomatoes are toxic as well (leaves, unripe fruit...), and arguably, so are peppers (not "deadly" toxic, but the capsaicin is definitely another thing "designed" to make mammals avoid eating the fruit; it's not spicy to birds, who are the primary dispersers of pepper seeds) and eggplant (though that one has been pretty effectively domesticated to be safe as long as it's not raw). But it still definitely counts as "safe for human consumption" as long as you avoid the poisonous parts.
– Luaan
Sep 25 at 7:55
Indeed, not just potatoes - tomatoes are toxic as well (leaves, unripe fruit...), and arguably, so are peppers (not "deadly" toxic, but the capsaicin is definitely another thing "designed" to make mammals avoid eating the fruit; it's not spicy to birds, who are the primary dispersers of pepper seeds) and eggplant (though that one has been pretty effectively domesticated to be safe as long as it's not raw). But it still definitely counts as "safe for human consumption" as long as you avoid the poisonous parts.
– Luaan
Sep 25 at 7:55
Mmmmm...fried green tomatoes! So cooking eliminates the toxicity of unripe tomato fruits, @Luaan?
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:43
Mmmmm...fried green tomatoes! So cooking eliminates the toxicity of unripe tomato fruits, @Luaan?
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:43
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
34
down vote
The Apiaceae family has many edible plants including carrot, parsley, fennel, celery, and parsnip, and has toxic plants such as poison hemlock, fool's parsley, and giant hogweed.
answered Sep 23 at 1:18
mgkrebbs
4,91511634
add a comment |Â
up vote
34
down vote
The Apiaceae family has many edible plants including carrot, parsley, fennel, celery, and parsnip, and has toxic plants such as poison hemlock, fool's parsley, and giant hogweed.
answered Sep 23 at 1:18
mgkrebbs
4,91511634
add a comment |Â
up vote
34
down vote
up vote
34
down vote
The Apiaceae family has many edible plants including carrot, parsley, fennel, celery, and parsnip, and has toxic plants such as poison hemlock, fool's parsley, and giant hogweed.
answered Sep 23 at 1:18
mgkrebbs
4,91511634
The Apiaceae family has many edible plants including carrot, parsley, fennel, celery, and parsnip, and has toxic plants such as poison hemlock, fool's parsley, and giant hogweed.
answered Sep 23 at 1:18
mgkrebbs
4,91511634
answered Sep 23 at 1:18
mgkrebbs
4,91511634
answered Sep 23 at 1:18
mgkrebbs
4,91511634
answered Sep 23 at 1:18
mgkrebbs
4,91511634
4,91511634
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
28
down vote
Both the cashew and poison ivy are members of the Anacardiaceae family.
answered Sep 22 at 22:16
MTA
38112
15
For what it's worth, part of the cashew plant is actually lethally toxic as well.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 2:16
1
@AustinHemmelgarn which parts are toxic? Any sources?
– Mahesh
Sep 23 at 11:33
8
The shell of the nut itself,, which is why they're almost always sold with the shells already removed.. Just like poison ivy, it has oils that cause contact dermatitis, and if ingested can cause potentially lethal internal reactions in the digestive tract. Also like poison ivy,, the smoke from burning the shells is really dangerous because the oils don't completely combust.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 12:03
The poison ivy, oak, and sumac all used to be in the genus Rhus alon gwith edible sumac used as a spice.
– kingledion
Sep 25 at 16:14
add a comment |Â
up vote
28
down vote
Both the cashew and poison ivy are members of the Anacardiaceae family.
answered Sep 22 at 22:16
MTA
38112
15
For what it's worth, part of the cashew plant is actually lethally toxic as well.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 2:16
1
@AustinHemmelgarn which parts are toxic? Any sources?
– Mahesh
Sep 23 at 11:33
8
The shell of the nut itself,, which is why they're almost always sold with the shells already removed.. Just like poison ivy, it has oils that cause contact dermatitis, and if ingested can cause potentially lethal internal reactions in the digestive tract. Also like poison ivy,, the smoke from burning the shells is really dangerous because the oils don't completely combust.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 12:03
The poison ivy, oak, and sumac all used to be in the genus Rhus alon gwith edible sumac used as a spice.
– kingledion
Sep 25 at 16:14
add a comment |Â
up vote
28
down vote
up vote
28
down vote
Both the cashew and poison ivy are members of the Anacardiaceae family.
answered Sep 22 at 22:16
MTA
38112
Both the cashew and poison ivy are members of the Anacardiaceae family.
answered Sep 22 at 22:16
MTA
38112
answered Sep 22 at 22:16
MTA
38112
answered Sep 22 at 22:16
MTA
38112
answered Sep 22 at 22:16
MTA
38112
38112
15
For what it's worth, part of the cashew plant is actually lethally toxic as well.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 2:16
1
@AustinHemmelgarn which parts are toxic? Any sources?
– Mahesh
Sep 23 at 11:33
8
The shell of the nut itself,, which is why they're almost always sold with the shells already removed.. Just like poison ivy, it has oils that cause contact dermatitis, and if ingested can cause potentially lethal internal reactions in the digestive tract. Also like poison ivy,, the smoke from burning the shells is really dangerous because the oils don't completely combust.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 12:03
The poison ivy, oak, and sumac all used to be in the genus Rhus alon gwith edible sumac used as a spice.
– kingledion
Sep 25 at 16:14
add a comment |Â
15
For what it's worth, part of the cashew plant is actually lethally toxic as well.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 2:16
1
@AustinHemmelgarn which parts are toxic? Any sources?
– Mahesh
Sep 23 at 11:33
8
The shell of the nut itself,, which is why they're almost always sold with the shells already removed.. Just like poison ivy, it has oils that cause contact dermatitis, and if ingested can cause potentially lethal internal reactions in the digestive tract. Also like poison ivy,, the smoke from burning the shells is really dangerous because the oils don't completely combust.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 12:03
The poison ivy, oak, and sumac all used to be in the genus Rhus alon gwith edible sumac used as a spice.
– kingledion
Sep 25 at 16:14
15
15
For what it's worth, part of the cashew plant is actually lethally toxic as well.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 2:16
For what it's worth, part of the cashew plant is actually lethally toxic as well.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 2:16
1
1
@AustinHemmelgarn which parts are toxic? Any sources?
– Mahesh
Sep 23 at 11:33
@AustinHemmelgarn which parts are toxic? Any sources?
– Mahesh
Sep 23 at 11:33
8
8
The shell of the nut itself,, which is why they're almost always sold with the shells already removed.. Just like poison ivy, it has oils that cause contact dermatitis, and if ingested can cause potentially lethal internal reactions in the digestive tract. Also like poison ivy,, the smoke from burning the shells is really dangerous because the oils don't completely combust.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 12:03
The shell of the nut itself,, which is why they're almost always sold with the shells already removed.. Just like poison ivy, it has oils that cause contact dermatitis, and if ingested can cause potentially lethal internal reactions in the digestive tract. Also like poison ivy,, the smoke from burning the shells is really dangerous because the oils don't completely combust.
– Austin Hemmelgarn
Sep 23 at 12:03
The poison ivy, oak, and sumac all used to be in the genus Rhus alon gwith edible sumac used as a spice.
– kingledion
Sep 25 at 16:14
The poison ivy, oak, and sumac all used to be in the genus Rhus alon gwith edible sumac used as a spice.
– kingledion
Sep 25 at 16:14
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
Fungi are not plants and you've tagged this as botany, so this is perhaps off-topic, but I feel like it might help you make your point: the genus Amanita contains extremely toxic species (A. phalloides), highly regarded edible ones (A. caesarea) as well as psychoactive ones (A. muscaria).
answered Sep 23 at 15:42
Cassiterite
2012
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
Fungi are not plants and you've tagged this as botany, so this is perhaps off-topic, but I feel like it might help you make your point: the genus Amanita contains extremely toxic species (A. phalloides), highly regarded edible ones (A. caesarea) as well as psychoactive ones (A. muscaria).
answered Sep 23 at 15:42
Cassiterite
2012
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
up vote
10
down vote
Fungi are not plants and you've tagged this as botany, so this is perhaps off-topic, but I feel like it might help you make your point: the genus Amanita contains extremely toxic species (A. phalloides), highly regarded edible ones (A. caesarea) as well as psychoactive ones (A. muscaria).
answered Sep 23 at 15:42
Cassiterite
2012
Fungi are not plants and you've tagged this as botany, so this is perhaps off-topic, but I feel like it might help you make your point: the genus Amanita contains extremely toxic species (A. phalloides), highly regarded edible ones (A. caesarea) as well as psychoactive ones (A. muscaria).
answered Sep 23 at 15:42
Cassiterite
2012
answered Sep 23 at 15:42
Cassiterite
2012
answered Sep 23 at 15:42
Cassiterite
2012
answered Sep 23 at 15:42
Cassiterite
2012
2012
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
While all the other answers have described one plant family having both edible species as well as poisonous species, I am compiling all the families in one answer.
- Anacardiaceae
Mangos (Mangifera indica) and Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) belong to Anacardiaceae, and also the poisonous Sumacs (Rhus spp.).
- Apiaceae
Carrots (Daucus carrota), Parsnips (Pastinica sativa), Dill (Anethum graveolens) and the poisonous Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Water Hemlock (Cicuta spp.)
- Apocynaceae
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and the poisonous Dogbane (Apocynum spp.) is commonly known as the poisonous relative of Milkweed.
- Ranunculaceae
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustrus) and the poisonous Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.)
- Solanaceae
Food crops like Potatoes and Tomatoes and deadly poisons like Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Jimson Weed (Datura spp.) etc.
References
- https://survivalcache.com/5-poisonous-plant-families-the-survivalist-should-know/
- http://www.botanyeveryday.com/online-classes/2013-plant-talk-8-poisonous-plant-families
- http://mentalfloss.com/article/69254/8-edible-plants-potentially-deadly-doppelgangers
answered Sep 24 at 5:34
Nilay Ghosh
23538
7
This would be better as a community answer.
– CJ Dennis
Sep 24 at 5:39
1
See Prunus Dulcis: bitter almond vs. sweet almond – contains enough cyanide that "approximately 50 bitter almonds" will kill an adult and "5–10 bitter almonds may be fatal" for children.
– Nigel Touch
Sep 25 at 16:51
Many common names are reused for different plants. This is true for "buttercup" which is also used for daffodils and pink evening primrose. Thanks for including the binomial.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:53
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
While all the other answers have described one plant family having both edible species as well as poisonous species, I am compiling all the families in one answer.
- Anacardiaceae
Mangos (Mangifera indica) and Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) belong to Anacardiaceae, and also the poisonous Sumacs (Rhus spp.).
- Apiaceae
Carrots (Daucus carrota), Parsnips (Pastinica sativa), Dill (Anethum graveolens) and the poisonous Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Water Hemlock (Cicuta spp.)
- Apocynaceae
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and the poisonous Dogbane (Apocynum spp.) is commonly known as the poisonous relative of Milkweed.
- Ranunculaceae
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustrus) and the poisonous Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.)
- Solanaceae
Food crops like Potatoes and Tomatoes and deadly poisons like Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Jimson Weed (Datura spp.) etc.
References
- https://survivalcache.com/5-poisonous-plant-families-the-survivalist-should-know/
- http://www.botanyeveryday.com/online-classes/2013-plant-talk-8-poisonous-plant-families
- http://mentalfloss.com/article/69254/8-edible-plants-potentially-deadly-doppelgangers
answered Sep 24 at 5:34
Nilay Ghosh
23538
7
This would be better as a community answer.
– CJ Dennis
Sep 24 at 5:39
1
See Prunus Dulcis: bitter almond vs. sweet almond – contains enough cyanide that "approximately 50 bitter almonds" will kill an adult and "5–10 bitter almonds may be fatal" for children.
– Nigel Touch
Sep 25 at 16:51
Many common names are reused for different plants. This is true for "buttercup" which is also used for daffodils and pink evening primrose. Thanks for including the binomial.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:53
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
up vote
8
down vote
While all the other answers have described one plant family having both edible species as well as poisonous species, I am compiling all the families in one answer.
- Anacardiaceae
Mangos (Mangifera indica) and Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) belong to Anacardiaceae, and also the poisonous Sumacs (Rhus spp.).
- Apiaceae
Carrots (Daucus carrota), Parsnips (Pastinica sativa), Dill (Anethum graveolens) and the poisonous Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Water Hemlock (Cicuta spp.)
- Apocynaceae
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and the poisonous Dogbane (Apocynum spp.) is commonly known as the poisonous relative of Milkweed.
- Ranunculaceae
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustrus) and the poisonous Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.)
- Solanaceae
Food crops like Potatoes and Tomatoes and deadly poisons like Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Jimson Weed (Datura spp.) etc.
References
- https://survivalcache.com/5-poisonous-plant-families-the-survivalist-should-know/
- http://www.botanyeveryday.com/online-classes/2013-plant-talk-8-poisonous-plant-families
- http://mentalfloss.com/article/69254/8-edible-plants-potentially-deadly-doppelgangers
answered Sep 24 at 5:34
Nilay Ghosh
23538
While all the other answers have described one plant family having both edible species as well as poisonous species, I am compiling all the families in one answer.
- Anacardiaceae
Mangos (Mangifera indica) and Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) belong to Anacardiaceae, and also the poisonous Sumacs (Rhus spp.).
- Apiaceae
Carrots (Daucus carrota), Parsnips (Pastinica sativa), Dill (Anethum graveolens) and the poisonous Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Water Hemlock (Cicuta spp.)
- Apocynaceae
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and the poisonous Dogbane (Apocynum spp.) is commonly known as the poisonous relative of Milkweed.
- Ranunculaceae
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustrus) and the poisonous Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.)
- Solanaceae
Food crops like Potatoes and Tomatoes and deadly poisons like Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Jimson Weed (Datura spp.) etc.
References
- https://survivalcache.com/5-poisonous-plant-families-the-survivalist-should-know/
- http://www.botanyeveryday.com/online-classes/2013-plant-talk-8-poisonous-plant-families
- http://mentalfloss.com/article/69254/8-edible-plants-potentially-deadly-doppelgangers
answered Sep 24 at 5:34
Nilay Ghosh
23538
answered Sep 24 at 5:34
Nilay Ghosh
23538
answered Sep 24 at 5:34
Nilay Ghosh
23538
answered Sep 24 at 5:34
Nilay Ghosh
23538
23538
7
This would be better as a community answer.
– CJ Dennis
Sep 24 at 5:39
1
See Prunus Dulcis: bitter almond vs. sweet almond – contains enough cyanide that "approximately 50 bitter almonds" will kill an adult and "5–10 bitter almonds may be fatal" for children.
– Nigel Touch
Sep 25 at 16:51
Many common names are reused for different plants. This is true for "buttercup" which is also used for daffodils and pink evening primrose. Thanks for including the binomial.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:53
add a comment |Â
7
This would be better as a community answer.
– CJ Dennis
Sep 24 at 5:39
1
See Prunus Dulcis: bitter almond vs. sweet almond – contains enough cyanide that "approximately 50 bitter almonds" will kill an adult and "5–10 bitter almonds may be fatal" for children.
– Nigel Touch
Sep 25 at 16:51
Many common names are reused for different plants. This is true for "buttercup" which is also used for daffodils and pink evening primrose. Thanks for including the binomial.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:53
7
7
This would be better as a community answer.
– CJ Dennis
Sep 24 at 5:39
This would be better as a community answer.
– CJ Dennis
Sep 24 at 5:39
1
1
See Prunus Dulcis: bitter almond vs. sweet almond – contains enough cyanide that "approximately 50 bitter almonds" will kill an adult and "5–10 bitter almonds may be fatal" for children.
– Nigel Touch
Sep 25 at 16:51
See Prunus Dulcis: bitter almond vs. sweet almond – contains enough cyanide that "approximately 50 bitter almonds" will kill an adult and "5–10 bitter almonds may be fatal" for children.
– Nigel Touch
Sep 25 at 16:51
Many common names are reused for different plants. This is true for "buttercup" which is also used for daffodils and pink evening primrose. Thanks for including the binomial.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:53
Many common names are reused for different plants. This is true for "buttercup" which is also used for daffodils and pink evening primrose. Thanks for including the binomial.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 25 at 19:53
add a comment |Â
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7
Well, given that often enough a plant is considered "edible", while parts of THE SAME PLANT are already poisonous (see the potato), it stands to reason that the definition of "safe for human consumption" is far too lax of a term to even allow for a clear "no there aren't any". [Also there's a ton of counterexamples, like Byans below]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:30
1
"family" in itself is such a borad term, that even a pure explanation to what a plant family is accidentallly provided an answer to your question: maximumyield.com/definition/785/plant-family [it's the nightshades again though, but this shows how valid your point is]
– Hobbamok
Sep 25 at 10:32