POISONOUS PLANTS 261 



doubt most, if not all, of the eiiphorbia have similar effects. 

 The E. hibernica, or Irish spurge, is, for instance, used as a 

 fish poison. 



E. lathyris. — A tall, stout annual or biennial, often 3 feet 

 high, or even more; very smooth and glaucous. Stem- 

 leaves narrow-oblong, the upper ones broader, especially at 

 the base, often 3 or 4 inches long, and all opposite, not 

 alternate, as in other eupkorbice. Umbels of three or four 

 long rays, once or twice forked, with large ovate-lanceolate 

 floral leaves. Glands of the involucre crescent- shaped, the 

 points short and blunt ; capsules large and smooth ; seeds 

 wrinkled. The plant grows wild in Sussex and Somerset, 

 and is cultivated in cottage gardens. 



Toxic Principle. — The euphorbia, of which E. lathyris is 

 selected as typical, are distinguished by containing an acrid 

 juice, and in the seeds a purgative oil. The resin euphor- 

 bin froin the North African E. resinifera is a non-officinal 

 purgative. Very little is known of the chemistry of the 

 juices, which on the whole rather recall rammeulus in their 

 action. Desiccation does not deprive the plant of its activity. 



Symptoms. — Euphorbia is distinguished by its irritant 

 action, with production of vomition, when possible, purga- 

 tion, and in fatal doses superpurgation, together with 

 nervous symptoms of vertigo, delirium, and muscular 

 tremors. 



The Post-Mortem appearances are those of acute gastro- 

 enteritis. 



Piss-grass. 



The South African Euphorbia genistoides, known as piss- 

 goed, or piss-grass, is a low shrub of about 8 inches, having 

 close, many-branched stems, resembling a besom, and green 

 apetalous flowers (Walsh). Like many others of this order, 

 the stem contains an acrid juice, having powerful irritant 

 properties. 



Poisoning. — Poisoning by piss -grass mainly affects 

 hamels, oxen, and geldings, probably by reason of the 

 narrower urinary passage. It is marked by severe ureth- 

 ritis. The animal appears very uneasy, and attempts to 



