Which plants are poisonous to the touch and which flowers are harmful to human health?

It is well known that growing plants can purify the air and at the same time is ornamental, which is good for the family's health. But did you know that some flowers are not suitable for keeping at home, because their flowers are poisonous and in serious cases may even bring a cancer risk.

Candelabra cactus

It belongs to the genus Euphorbia in the family Euphorbiaceae and is a mutated variety. Its appearance closely resembles the qilin of ancient legend, so it is named jade qilin, and for this reason many people like to use it as a guardian plant for the home. Although the candelabra cactus can absorb some harmful gases and can purify the air, its sap contains carcinogenic components, and it is often easy to come into accidental contact with it when pruning, so when handling it you must wear gloves and wash your hands promptly, to prevent it being absorbed through the skin and to prevent touching the eyes and causing blindness.

Garden croton

A beautiful tropical plant, it has a strange shape and its leaves are brightly coloured with colours that constantly change, so it is also called sijingrong. It belongs to the genus Codiaeum in the family Euphorbiaceae, and its toxicity is in the sap. Children are easily attracted by its brilliant colours and so touch its branches and leaves too much with their hands; if it is accidentally swallowed, symptoms of poisoning such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea easily occur. In addition, the branches and leaves of the garden croton also contain a substance that can activate the Epstein-Barr virus; if adults come into contact with it for a long time, there is a risk of inducing nasopharyngeal cancer.

Crown of thorns

Crown of thorns, also called tiehaitang, belongs to the genus Euphorbia in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a beautiful succulent plant and is suitable for growing at 15 degrees or above, which is to say that as long as there is plenty of sunlight it can bloom all year round. In addition, its flowers are very brightly coloured and its leaves are emerald green and small, giving a very delicate feeling, just like plum blossoms. However, the flowers and the whole plant of the crown of thorns are poisonous; once accidentally eaten, symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea easily occur. Moreover, research has detected that the soil in which it has been grown also contains cancer-causing viruses and substances that activate chemical carcinogens, so vegetables cannot continue to be grown in soil that has been used to grow crown of thorns.

Iris

It has dreamlike colours, and its flower is also called the blue butterfly flower; the flower's shape is like a fluttering butterfly, and it is also known as the blue enchantress, symbolising enduring longing in love and friendship. However, behind its beautiful flower there are carcinogenic substances; accidentally touching its leaves or flowers can cause gastrointestinal congestion, and in serious cases can also lead to diarrhoea.