Deadly plants to avoid: the most dangerous species for humans that you should steer clear of (with photos).

The flora on our planet is astonishing and diverse. While many plants pose no danger to human health or life, there are those that are extremely poisonous. Some plants are so toxic that it's best not only to avoid consuming them but even to refrain from touching them, as stated by IFLScience.

Belladonna

Perhaps the most well-known poisonous plant on Earth is belladonna. The scientific name of this plant is Atropa belladonna, where the last word translates from Italian to mean "beautiful" woman, but the effects of this plant are far from beautiful.

Belladonna is a plant that can be found throughout Europe, including Ukraine. All parts of this plant, including the deceptively tasty-looking berries, are toxic if ingested. Moreover, the toxic effects of belladonna can begin even at the moment you touch it.

Belladonna contains toxins, including hyoscyamine and atropine, which can not only cause severe dermatitis, such as skin swelling, itching, and blisters, but they can also be absorbed through the skin.

If toxins enter the human body, they can lead to a sharp deterioration in vision, severe headaches, and may even cause hallucinations and convulsions. Even in small amounts, the toxins from belladonna can be fatal to humans.

Stinging Tree

To avoid experiencing severe pain for several months, one should never touch the stinging tree or gympie-gympie. Although this plant is called a tree, it is actually a shrub and has the scientific name Dendrocnide moroides.

This poisonous plant, native to Australia, looks quite innocent, as it can easily be confused with ordinary nettle.

However, there is a reason some scientists refer to it as the plant that inflicts the most pain on humans. It is covered with tiny hairs that can pierce the skin, and they also contain a neurotoxin that does not degrade over time, or due to cold or heat. As a result, the intense pain caused by the toxin can last for months. The neurotoxin can also trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock.

Water Hemlock

Another poisonous plant found in North America and Eurasia is water hemlock (Cicuta). There are four species of this plant that contain dangerous neurotoxins for humans. For instance, the species Cicuta maculata, or spotted water hemlock, is often referred to by scientists as the most deadly plant in North America.

Like belladonna, all parts of these plants are highly toxic, as they contain several toxins, including cicutoxin. This neurotoxin can be quickly absorbed through the skin as well as through the gastrointestinal tract and subsequently affect receptors in the brain, causing vomiting, seizures, and convulsions. If poisoning from this plant is not treated, a person can die very quickly.