MALVACEAE (Hibisous Family) 
flees ia gynandra (Apa apa When ripe, the bluish fruit (resembling 
or Ha ha) durian) show glistening bristles which 
oan penetrate the skin. The hairs 
cannot be removed without sloughing off 
the skin. Present in Bukit Timah Reserve, 
LEOUMINOSAB (Bean Family) 
Mucuna pr ur iena X Hairs are irritant to the skin, 
criminal use recorded. 
Fluouna benettii Hairs on pods also irritant but less 
serious. This ornamental climber does 
not bear fruit often. Calyx of the 
flower has irritant hairs. 
GRAMINEAE (Grass Family) 
All Bam bus a shoots have culm sheaths which are ooated with hairs that 
penetrate the skin- 
LILIACEAE (Lily Family) 
Gloriosa species are attractive climbers. Their tuberous root iB 
poisonous. 
ARACEAE (Arolds) 
l 
Dief f enbaohia sequine 
(the dumb cane) 
Several varieties are used as ornamental 
foliage plants in Singapore. The 
fleshy stem when ohewed renders the 
person dumb. It is not know whether all 
species or varieties have the same effect. 
