Poisonous Plants

Poisonous Plants by Eugene & Glen Moll (1989) is a compact yet authoritative guide to the toxic flora of southern Africa — a practical handbook essential for gardeners, farmers, parents, veterinarians and anyone who handles plants in natural or domestic landscapes. Published by Struik Publishers under their Pocket Guides series, this 64-page volume combines clear, accessible text with carefully drawn illustrations, distribution notes, and warnings about the dangers certain species pose to humans and livestock. It stands out as one of the most user-friendly guides to recognizing and avoiding poisonous plants in gardens, farms, and wildveld alike.

In Poisonous Plants, the Molls present a wide variety of species — from bulbous indigenous plants and common shrubs to exotic ornamentals — noting which parts (leaves, roots, sap, berries) are toxic, the symptoms of poisoning, and the potential risk to animals or children. Each species entry includes a botanical description for identification, often accompanied by simple illustrations that make recognition easier. A particularly useful section outlines how poisoning affects different organs and systems, raising awareness of symptoms and first-aid priorities long before modern herbarium lists or chemical analyses became widespread.

As a reference, Poisonous Plants remains valuable even decades after publication. Its concise format, accessible language, and practical focus make it ideal for everyday use — whether you’re maintaining a farm, tending a garden, or simply wanting to be aware of potential hazards in South Africa’s rich flora. For collectors of Africana botanical literature, or for anyone building a library of regional plant guides, this 1989 edition by the Molls and Strebel is an essential, historically meaningful addition