Since ancient times, plants have been used both as a source of food (thanks to their fruits and some leaves) and as a remedy for diseases . Before technological development, the human being has had to differentiate the utilities of each one by experimenting with himself and putting his health and his own life at risk, since the ingestion of some plants can be lethal for people .
The vegetation is enigmatic and mysterious . The most dangerous and deadly species can be hidden behind a beautiful and delicate flower, and instead, some of its parts, can miraculously be the key component to survival.
But why are some poisonous?
Over time, they have had to adapt to endless climatic, earthly and environmental changes. The toxicity that some have developed are only the sequel to this accommodation, as a consequence of an urgent need to defend themselves from the outside world .
Evolution has thus allowed some animals, especially herbivores , to be able to differentiate plants that are suitable for ingesting and purifying their bodies, from harmful and deadly ones.
However, it must be borne in mind that the toxins in these herbs are not equally aggressive for all species . There are some that only affect some mammals and others, on the contrary, both animals and humans. Furthermore, some plants are only poisonous during some stages of their life , so their threat is not permanent.
Currently, since its entry into force on May 6, 2004, the current law of our country (ORDER SCO / 190/2004, of January 28) includes a list of 197 species whose sale to the public is prohibited or restricted by reason of its toxicity.
And although there are countless species of poisonous plants, in the following gallery we collect some of the most famous and fatal for their victims .
