This chapter presents the results of a study aimed to do a survey on toxic plant species present in gardens in Alto Branco, in the city of Campina Grande (Paraíba, Brazil), as well as to do a brief summary of the main characteristics related to each one of the species in order to have a greater understanding about toxic plant diversity in the gardens of the city. A total of 1080 gardens were examined from October to December 2008. Twenty-two plants growing within some gardens were determined to be toxic in accordance with Schvartsman (1992). Six species belonged to the Euphorbiaceae family and 7 to the Araceae family, showing that they are widely cultivated in the gardens of Campina Grande. One of the most important plants was Dieffenbachia spp. Four plants belonged to the Apocynaceae family, including Allamanda cathartica. Plants from other families, including Moraceae (two species), Araliaceae, Asteraceae, and Balsaminaceae (one species each) were also found. These species are considered toxic because they contain such compounds as oxalates. Tabulated data are given on the toxic compounds reported in the poisonous species. The exposure to toxicity can occur by ingestion, or by contact with eyes or skin. Symptoms of poisoning by these plants range from irritation of mucous membranes to suffocation and even death.

This chapter presents the results of a study carried out during October and November 2008 aimed to conduct an inventory in the market of toxic ornamental plant species in Campina Grande (Paraíba, Brazil), and report their possible symptoms. Based on the results, 12 species were identified by the sellers as poisonous plants, but only 9 of these species are actually toxic. Dieffenbachia spp. was the most quoted among them, confirming its popularity. Calcium oxalate is present in 55.5% of the 9 toxic plant species mentioned. Among the intoxication pathways reported, ingestion was the prevailing form. The most commonly observed symptoms were itching, nausea, and a burning sensation. Plant sellers have limited knowledge about toxic plants and the symptoms of intoxication.