A council flowerbed was discovered by a local woman to contain the world's deadliest plant. When the shrub seeds, it contains a substance 6,000 times more poisonous than cyanide.
Earlier this week Conwy Council groundstaff planted flowerbeds in Queen Gardens Park, Colwyn Bay. Ricinnus Communis, more commonly known as the castor oil plant, was among the flowers and shrubs. The Guinness Book of Records named the plant as the world's most poisonous.
After being concerned that the shrubs might be dangerous for children and dogs, the woman who discovered the plant's husband contacted North Wales Live to suggest they be removed or warning signs installed. “There was one plant that caught her eye, it was quite exotic looking, and so she asked the gardeners what it was,” he said.
“They told her it was something called ricinnus and she checked on a plant identification app on her phone. She sent the name to me - Ricinnus Communis. I didn’t like the sound of ricinnus and so I Googled to see if it was anything to do with ricin, which I knew was a poison. It’s a nice-looking plant but I’m not sure it’s the most sensible choice for a public park.”
Even the smallest amount of the castor oil plant can kill without fast medical intervention, and is highly toxic to dogs and people alike. The plant should be handled with gloves, but it is the consumption of the seeds and seed heads that are hugely dangerous.
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