Natural History Notes

Flowers of Lantana camara . Originally brought from South America to this region for decorative purposes, Lantana camara has escaped into the wild where it thrived at clearings around villages, cultivation and forested areas. Owing to its toxicity, this shrubby plant belonging to the verbena family has become a cause of concern to the extent that it is categorized as an invasive species in some countries. Some ripe and unripe fruits of Lantana camara . The fruits, for instance, although appear edible, can cause serious implication if consumed. Indeed, fatal cases have been recorded especially among children. Ingestion of the leaves by ruminants such as cows and goats will lead to liver damage followed by death in a few days. Arrangement of leaves and flower clusters of Lantana camara . The unmistakable flower clusters are held on erect stalk from the leaf axil near the top. Most of the flowers are orange and yellow, but variations occur in which the flowers ...

The Fishtail Palm ( Caryota mitis ) derives its name from its delta-shaped, fishtail-like leaflet with ragged ends. It has the characteristics monocot leaf with parallel veins readily seen in many other palm species as well. Additionally, like all palms, it also lack wood, bark and side branches often seen in dicot trees. Leaflets of Fishtail Palm A palm tree native to Southeast Asia, this quick growing palm can reach a height of up to 12 meters. The slightly curved leaves can measure up to three meters and the leaflets usually range from 10-20 centimeters. It has been used in landscaping quite extensively as a screening, tall hedges and even interiorscape. Flowers and fruits of Fishtail Palm are borne on dense cluster of string. The rounded fruits are borne on long hanging stalks. Although they might appear edible, the fruits contain highly irritating calcium oxalates crystals. When this crystals puncture the skin, it cause intense itching, and highly irritating to th...

The Castor Bean ( Ricinus communis ) is easily identified by its palmately lobed leaves with toothed margin held by a rather long stalk.  It originated from parts of Africa and Middle East but now has spread to many tropical countries where it grows along rivers, roadside and disturbed places.  Inside the capsular fruit, which is covered with soft bristles, are several smooth and glossy seeds or beans. Castor Bean leaves Castor Bean is most notable for its poisonous properties, due to the presence of ricin especially inside the seed.  Ricin can enter the cell and block protein production, a critical process for living organisms. Eating the seeds causes stomach pain, water loss, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases death. Castor Bean fruits Despite its reputation as a poisonous plant, the oil extracted from this plant has many benefits. Aside from being used as lubricants, Castor oil is also used in the production of varnishes, polishes and ink. In medicin...