Not everything in your garden is as friendly as it looks. While most plants bring peace, herbs, and buah-buahan to your home, a few hide a more sinister side.
From pokok beracun to saps that sting, here are some plants commonly found in Malaysian homes and gardens that you should never touch barehanded.
If you’re planting, pruning, or harvesting any of these — gloves are a must.
⚠️ 1. Pokok Jarak (Castor Bean Plant)
- ✅ Scientific Name: Ricinus communis
- ⚠️ Why Dangerous: Contains ricin, one of the most toxic natural substances.
- 😬 Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, even organ failure (if seeds ingested).
- 🧤 Handling Tip: Don’t touch seeds. Always wear gloves when pruning.
⚠️ 2. Pokok Kemboja (Frangipani)
- ✅ Scientific Name: Plumeria spp.
- ⚠️ Why Dangerous: White milky sap can irritate skin and eyes.
- 😬 Symptoms: Itchy rashes, burning sensation, eye redness.
- 🧤 Handling Tip: Prune with care, clean tools thoroughly after.
⚠️ 3. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
- ✅ Commonly Found: Indoors or shaded porches
- ⚠️ Why Dangerous: Contains calcium oxalate crystals
- 😬 Symptoms: Skin irritation, temporary speech loss if ingested (hence the name!)
- 🧤 Handling Tip: Avoid contact with sap. Keep away from pets and kids.
⚠️ 4. Pokok Kecubung (Datura / Jimsonweed)
- ✅ Scientific Name: Datura stramonium
- ⚠️ Why Dangerous: Contains atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine — potent hallucinogens.
- 😬 Symptoms: Dizziness, hallucinations, dangerous if ingested.
- 🧤 Handling Tip: Not recommended to be grown at home. Avoid contact altogether.
⚠️ 5. Pokok Lidah Jin (Snake Plant / Sansevieria)
- ✅ Scientific Name: Dracaena trifasciata
- ⚠️ Why Dangerous: Mildly toxic if touched or ingested in large amounts.
- 😬 Symptoms: Numbness, itchiness in sensitive skin
- 🧤 Handling Tip: Mostly safe — but glove up if you have sensitive skin.
⚠️ 6. Pokok Getah (Rubber Tree)
- ✅ Scientific Name: Hevea brasiliensis
- ⚠️ Why Dangerous: Latex sap can trigger severe allergies.
- 😬 Symptoms: Hives, difficulty breathing (for those allergic)
- 🧤 Handling Tip: Handle with gloves, especially during latex tapping.
⚠️ 7. Pokok Gajah Mati (Elephant Ear / Taro Leaf)
- ✅ Scientific Name: Alocasia / Colocasia
- ⚠️ Why Dangerous: Contains oxalate crystals
- 😬 Symptoms: Burning, stinging if leaf sap touches broken skin or eyes
- 🧤 Handling Tip: Cook thoroughly before eating. Gloves essential during harvesting.
🔥 Bonus: Other “Mild But Annoying” Plants
- 🌾 Lalang: The sharp blade edges can cause micro-cuts
- 🌱 Pokok Senduduk: Can cause rash-like itching if handled excessively
- 🍃 Certain Wild Ferns: Not toxic, but harbor small insects or fungus that irritate skin
🧤 How to Stay Safe:
- ✅ Always wear gardening gloves when unsure
- ✅ Wash hands and tools after handling any plant
- ✅ Keep these plants away from kids and pets
- ✅ Label them clearly in your garden
🧤 Glove Up Like a Pro (With Style)
If you’re thinking, “Aiyoh, do I really need gloves?” — the answer is yes, especially if you value your hands (and your skin!). For most of these pokok beracun, a simple pair of gardening gloves can make a big difference. Personally, I love the green ones — they just give off that rambut pokok jungle-vibes energy 🌿. But if you’re going for sleek and mysterious, the black pair works just as well. Here are the ones I use and recommend:
Wear them, love them, and maybe even feel a bit like a gardening superhero while you’re at it.
🗣️ Final Words:
Gardening should be fun — not itchy, stinging, or risky. With a little knowledge (and a good pair of gloves), you can enjoy the beauty of nature while staying safe.
Know of any other plants that made your skin crawl? Tag us on IG @projectharvest.my and let us know.