Why Would a Plant Develop Poisons

Under certain ecological conditions plants may become poisonous as a result of the accumulation of toxic inorganic minerals such as copper, lead, cadmium, fluorine, manganese, nitrates, or selenium. Photosensitization, an unusual toxic reaction resulting from the ingestion of certain plants, may be of two types.

Why do plants make poisons?

Poisons in fruit pulp are typically produced during development. Unripe fruit is often toxic to protect immature seeds from attack or premature dispersal, but ripe fruit with mature seeds can also be poisonous.

What is a plant poison?

A poisonous plant is defined as a plant that when touched or ingested in sufficient quantity can be harmful or fatal to an organism or any plant capable evoking a toxic and/or fatal reaction.