A to Z of Alluringly Poisionous Plants

Page 49

Taxus baccata aka Yew

DEADLY Baccata is Latin for bearing red berries, yet it is exactly this red exterior which is not poisonous; however the seed inside and the rest of the yew tree are extremely poisonous. Its toxic potency increases when dried; poisoning symptoms effect the heart rate resulting in muscle tremors and eventually heart failure.

BEAUTIFUL The yew is an ancient tree with its presence written into many myths and legends; particularly in religion, which is why the yew tree is often found in churchyards. Certain elements on the yew tree, particularly the bark, have cancer deterring qualities and it is used in the Himalayas for the treatment of breast & ovarian cancer.


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