Bungling council workers in the Lake District planted one of the world's deadliest plants near a children's park.
Up to half a dozen Monkshood plants, so lethal they are used on the tips of poison arrows by hunters in the Amazon, were planted at Abbot Hall Park in Kendal.
It's so toxic that even just touching it without gloves causes an unpleasant tingling as far as the shoulders, and it can be deadly to both humans and animals if eaten.
The plants were discovered by local botanist Thomas Gudgeon in the park, which has a large green and a children's play area, reports the Daily Mail.
Mr Gudgeon said: "Natives of the Amazon jungle dip their arrows in the plant to kill monkeys in the trees. Before the monkey hits the ground it's dead - it is one of the world's most deadly plants."
Richard Knight, director of Westmorland Veterinary Group, said contact with the plant could be "very painful".
"It is dangerous to people," he said. "I am very surprised that something so notably poisonous has been planted in a public area.
"I wouldn't have it anywhere near where children play, a kid could kick a ball or fall into them."
Signs of poisoning include heart complications, muscular weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes and extreme stomach pain.
A South Lakeland District Council spokesman said: "The council would like to apologise for any concern this has caused. All the plants have been removed and disposed of in a safe manner."
Source: http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/Deadly_flowers_planted_near_kids_park
Up to half a dozen Monkshood plants, so lethal they are used on the tips of poison arrows by hunters in the Amazon, were planted at Abbot Hall Park in Kendal.
It's so toxic that even just touching it without gloves causes an unpleasant tingling as far as the shoulders, and it can be deadly to both humans and animals if eaten.
The plants were discovered by local botanist Thomas Gudgeon in the park, which has a large green and a children's play area, reports the Daily Mail.
Mr Gudgeon said: "Natives of the Amazon jungle dip their arrows in the plant to kill monkeys in the trees. Before the monkey hits the ground it's dead - it is one of the world's most deadly plants."
Richard Knight, director of Westmorland Veterinary Group, said contact with the plant could be "very painful".
"It is dangerous to people," he said. "I am very surprised that something so notably poisonous has been planted in a public area.
"I wouldn't have it anywhere near where children play, a kid could kick a ball or fall into them."
Signs of poisoning include heart complications, muscular weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes and extreme stomach pain.
A South Lakeland District Council spokesman said: "The council would like to apologise for any concern this has caused. All the plants have been removed and disposed of in a safe manner."
Source: http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/Deadly_flowers_planted_near_kids_park
