British Poisonous and Edible Plants

Abstract

EXCEPTING works on poisonous plants from the agricultural and medical points of view, there is very little printed information available to the lay reader. Fortunately, most British poisonous plants are rare; but the most dangerous are those with an attractive and luscious appearance. Perhaps that is why, despite their scarcity, such plants are the cause of illness and even death to unwary ramblers, campers, and school children every year. The pamphlet recently published as a reprint from School Nature Study therefore comes as a timely warning, not only to the country child and the town child in the country, for whom it is written, but also to adults who take an active part in country life. The pamphlet, “British Poisonous and Edible Plants” written by Miss Hilda F. Rendle, after a few introductory remarks, gives a list of edible plants found growing wild. These are divided into black fruits, scarlet fruits, seeds and nuts flowers leaves, roots, and fungi. The second part deals with the poisonous plants, giving not only the well-known plants such as laurel, bryony, deadly nightshade, etc., but also some of the less familiar types such as the spindle with its attractive pink fruit and orange seeds, potato ‘apples’ and acorns. A few of these are illustrated. It is a pity that the fungi were not given more space. Only the common mushroom (Psallista) is described, with the concluding remark that all other fungi should be avoided". In the present day of extended country activities, this pamphlet should be welcomed by all school teachers, boy scouts troops, country rambling organisations, etc. Copies at 2d. each or two shillings per dozen can be obtained from Mr. E. G. Clarke, 7 Stanley Avenue, Wembley, Middlesex.