POISONOUS AND INJURIOUS PLANTS ee 
BN-—13188 
FIGURE 1.—Jumbee Bead (Abrus precatorius L.) 
occur in the drier areas but are more common in the wet districts. 
Toxiciry AND Symproms.—Jumbee bead seeds contain abrine, a 
deadly poisonous substance (35, 36). If thoroughly chewed before 
being swallowed, one seed will kill an adult. Seeds that are swallowed 
without the hard seedcoat being broken are much less toxic, because 
only small amounts of the poisonous material pass through the seed- 
coat. A few ounces of seeds will kill a horse. Cattle and goats are 
more resistant than horses are. Farm animals suffer severe stomach 
upset. Symptoms in humans are nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, 
weakness, cold perspiration, and trembling of hands. 
MANAGEMENT AND Controu.—Very little specific information is 
available on the control of this plant. Hand methods may be used 
to remove only a few plants. The plants, when in good leaf, re- 
spond to commercial brush killers and to aqueous formulations of 
2,4-D, or 2,4,5-T. The plants increase rapidly because of their co- 
pious seed production. 
