Botanical Survey of Poisonous Plants within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 125 respondents were interviewed through the use of structured questionnaire administered within five randomly selected local council areas in the FCT, through which demographic data and information on the poisonous plants, poisonous parts, poisonous effects, modes of poisoning, and antidotes was obtained. Forty two species of plants belonging to 34 genera in 19 families were identified. The most frequent families are; Leguminose, (27.2%), Euphorbiaceae, (12.8%); and Solanaceae, (9.6%), while the most frequently identified toxic plant species are Erythrophleum guineense, (15.2%), Sacciolepis africana, (14.4%), Erythrophleum africana, at (6.4%), Datura metel, (6.4%), and Ricinus communis, (5.6%). The result showed the profile of poisonous plants present in the FCT graze land. This data will help clinicians to make quick and rational diagnosis, and management of phytotoxicosis. This study is intended to create more awareness of these plants to the public so as to take caution while consuming them or use them as alternative medicine.

Keywords: Poisonous plants, Toxic, Livestock, FCT-Abuja