Just when it was thought that Australia couldn't get any more dangerous, scientists have now discovered the cause of pain from the stinging tree, also known as gympie-gympie. This unsuspecting tree looks just like any other with flat, fuzzy-looking leaves, except it's known to cause a toxic reaction that experts are now saying is more like a venomous bite. In addition to Australia's terrifying insects, people must now be on the lookout to avoid brushing up or walking past this hazardous plant. The toxin injected via it's 'fuzzy' needle-like spines is now being compared to that of a spider's venom. It's also said that the pain is sometimes untreated even by morphine and can last months in severe cases.
Interestingly enough, plants have a long history of self-defense whether it be from insects or animals, and many are unbeknownst to unsuspecting humans. Some plants can cause a reaction when ingested while others can cause one by simply being touched. We're not talking about poison ivy or poison oak - there are many more plant species out there which are far more deadly, and toxic, than either of these.
Water Hemlock
This plant is known to some scholars as the same plant which killed Socrates, which has earned it the name of the most 'violently toxic plant in North America,' according to Britannica. The scariest thing about this plant is that it does closely resemble other, edible plants, such as parsnips or even celery. It's also part of the carrot family even though it's highly toxic to any who ingest it and by appearance alone can be consumed for Queen Anne's lace. If this plant doesn't take a person's lives within a short while after ingesting, then it can leave them with lifelong tremors and amnesia.
Deadly Nightshade
For some reason, literature and philosophy seem to be fascinated with poisonous plants and some might know deadly nightshade as it was referenced in Macbeth. It's most commonly found in Eurasia and even touching this plant can lead to skin irritation. It's commonly mistaken as edible due to its berries which are sweet in flavor, thus confusing many who have tried to ingest them. Upon doing this, paralysis will occur, which is how it can stop the heart of any creature or human who eats any part of this plant.
Castor Bean
Yes, this is the same plant from which castor oil is obtained, but only through seeds that have been processed. However, it's also in these seeds that trace amounts of ricin are found, a highly toxic and potent chemical. The plant can be found in Africa and those who work with it must be careful to avoid ingesting any part, especially the beans, lest they end up becoming violently ill. If enough of the beans are eaten, it can prove to be fatal, since it will inhibit the cell's ability to synthesize proteins. While the plant itself is pretty to look at and the beans that it grows help to produce a common topical oil, the devil is in the details - in this case, the beans.
White Snakeroot
White Snakeroot is sneaky and was also known for causing the death of Nancy Hanks, the mother of Abraham Lincoln. While she didn't ingest this plant directly, she received a lethal dose of its toxin by way of milk from a cow that did eat the plant while grazing. Its toxin can be passed on through both the meat and milk of an animal, however, farmers now know what to look for on their farms and can take care of the plants before there's ever a problem. The plant itself has a flat top that's covered with tiny white flowers and is seemingly unsuspecting but can be highly poisonous to any who ingest it and when it's passed on through an animal, it's called 'milk poisoning.'
Rosary Pea
The rosary pea is all it takes to prove that something beautiful can also be incredibly dangerous. These beans are also known as jequirity beans and received their better-known nickname due to their use in prayer rosaries. Despite their innocent and helpful use, the beans themselves are incredibly dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with them. If the beans are scratched, chewed, or broken in any way, their toxin is lethal. The toxin found within these beans is similar to that in the castor bean, and it could spell disaster for someone who pricks their finger or cracks a bean while working with it. Many have been known to lose their lives or become incredibly ill after doing so, making this one of the most toxic plants in the world.