Highly toxic plant found in Dorset

Description:

Triffids Invade Dorset !

A deadly tropical plant native to central and south America has been discovered in two Dorset gardens.

Datura Stramonium, or Devil's Snare, is used by South American Indians to poison their hunting spears and fishing hooks, and in some cultures is prized for its hallucinogenic qualities.

Some of the poison's effects are a dry mouth, blurred vision, heart irregularities as well as coma and death in the most severe cases.

Amazingly it is a flowerbed-fellow for roses and poppies in two gardens in Dorset without either garden owner being aware of the dangers.

67 year-old Virginia Perkins, of Branksome, Poole said her husband John recognised the plant in a national newspaper and made a swift phone call home. Mrs Perkins added: "I thought good grief we've got a killer plant in the garden. It was like Day of the Triffids."

Julie Ratcliffe of Burton, Christchurch said she too only discovered the deadly nature of the 4ft tall bush in her garden when her son showed her the same newspaper article.

The Roal Horticultural Society (RHS) confirmed the identification and warned "all parts, particularly the seeds, are highly poinsonous."  They advised to dig, pull or hoe out plants before seed is set. Plants that have set should be binned or burnt so they don't spread the seads. Always wear gloves or thoroughly wash hands after touching the plant.