Poison Herbarium

Compendium of Toxic Flora

Abrus precatorius

Rosary Pea

Family

Fabaceae

Floriography

Represents Protection as the bright red seeds have long been carried as protective amulets against evil

Native Habitat

Native to Asia and Australia before spreading throughout tropical and subtropical regions

Plant Type

Perennial climbing vine reaching up to 10 feet

Toxicity

Contains the highly lethal toxin Abrin concentrated primarily within the seeds

Symptoms

Fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, seizures, organ failure and death

Preparation

Most poisonings occur from crushed or chewed seeds, powdered seed inhalation, or historical poisoned weapons

Treatment

No antidote exists. Treatment consists only of supportive care

☙ Apothecary Notes ☙

Birds spread the seeds while remaining immune to the toxin. Intact seeds usually pass harmlessly through the digestive tract, but a single crushed seed can prove fatal

Plant Index

A

  • Abrus precatorius (Rosary Pea)
  • Aconitum napellus (Monkshood)
  • Actaea pachypoda (White Baneberry)
  • Adenium obesum (Desert Rose)
  • Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut)
  • Ageratina altissima (White Snakeroot)
  • Agrostemma githago (Corn Cockle)
  • Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven)
  • Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit)
  • Atropa belladonna (Belladonna)