Ethnobotanical analysis of toxic plants used in urban ornamentation

Abstract

Introduction: Plants are widely used in ornamental purposes due to its beauty feature, however, there is a large diversity of species in Brazilian flora that produce different metabolites with toxic properties. Different species of plants are used merely by their physical appearance, without any kind of concern about their physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. A very common point in cities is the use of plants that produce metabolites that cause health problems and can lead to the death of people and animals. They are planted in front of houses, gardens, squares, balconies or terraces, among other public places within easy reach. Called toxic plants, these plants can even become a public health problem due to misuse and unfamiliarity on the part of the population. Objective: The aim of this work was to warn about the danger of using toxic plants used for ornamentation, planted in public places with easy access and even inside residences. Methods: A field survey was carried out in the central area of the Casa Branca city - SP (latitude 21º46'26 "south and longitude 47º05'11" west - altitude of 684 meters), in which toxic plants were photographed and performed their Botanical identification based on analyzes of virtual herbaria. Results: This work showed various toxic plants found in the center of Casa Branca city in the State of São Paulo, describing the toxic metabolites, symptoms and characteristics of the species in an attempt to inform people about the danger of these plants. Conclusion: It is concluded that the knowledge of toxic ornamental plants is extremely important, since only alerting the population poisoning can be avoided.