Schools Warned Against Hemlock Danger

Chronicle (Levin), 4 January 1949, Page 4

Schools Warned Against Hemlock Danger

\ . -4 ' . ' i 4n Auckland repprt of a child t?eing poisoned by hemlock has gaused the Education Department fo warn all teachers of the dangers of the weed. They are asked to give ^al-ks- teaching the children not to play with it. ' This is at least the second time1, that the dangers of the , weed, known frpm ancient times for its poisonous qqalities, have been publlshed in the New Zealand Education Gazette. A short time ago an article in '-The Ohronicle" drew attention to the flourishing growth of hemlock in the borough, and the Levin Borough Cbuncil served notice on property owners in the business area to have it cleared. Some steps should now be taken to have it eradicated from .residential areas, where it gfows freeiy in parts of the borough. In the Otaki Borough and at Te Horo also, hemlock 'can be seen growing prolifically. A description furnished by the Botany Division of the Department pf' Scientific and Industrial Research says that hemlock belongs to the same family as carrot, parspip and parsley. It is easily recognised by its carrot-like dissected leaves, and by the distinctive purple -spots' or flecks on the hollow stems and hollow petioles. "In its first year of growth the plant may be three to six feet tall and about three feet wide," says the division. "Hemlock flowers in its second year, producing numerous small white flowers. The plant dies after distributing many seeds. "The odour emanating fri|im the •crushed leaves is quite distinctive •and not entirely unpleasant. The odour and the purple flecking of the plant should distinguish it ciearly from others of the same group. Poisonous All Through "All parts of the plant— leaves, roots, petioles and seeds — are poisonous. Poisoning has occurred from blowlng whistles made of the hollow stems, from eat-ing -the roots, and from chewing the leaves and seeds. A volatile toxin is present in all parts of the plant, becoming' much concentrated in the seeds. "The symptoms of poisoning in humans are a gradual weakening of muscular power. Death ensues from gradual paralysis of the lungs. The power of sight is often lost. The antidote is to give a strong emetic, which should be followed up by a cup of hot, strong tea. "Eradication of hemlock from waste places near school areas is best effected by pulling or dragging the plants before the seeding Stage."