The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Poisonous food plants

Toxic alkaloids solanine and tomatine occur in the leaves, stems and flowers of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). Photo: Jesse Bythell

There are many plants that, commonly used as food, that contain toxins that make them poisonous to humans.

Below are some examples of poisonous food plants:

Apple (Malus domestica)
Apricot
Celery
Cherry
Egg plant
Kidney bean
Peach
Plum
Potato
Rhubarb
Taro
Tomato

For more information see:

• Henry Connor and John Fountain. 2009. Plants that poison - a New Zealand guide. Published by Manaaki Whenua Press.
• Poisonous plants in New Zealand (Landcare Research)
• Poisonous plants in New Zealand (RNZ Institute of Horticulture)
• Top 10 poisonous plants in New Zealand (National Poison Centre)

This page last updated on 3 Apr 2013