Species richness and frequency of poisonous and injurious plants in gardens of Chennai metropolitan city, India

A qualitative floristic survey was conducted in 1000 public and private gardens to explore species richness and frequency of poisonous and injurious ornamental plants cultivated in Chennai metropolitan city, India. A total of 37 species in 32 genera and 18 families were recorded from the study area. Information on injurious and poisonous properties of ornamental plants was retrieved from published literature. Ornamental plants contain poisonous, injurious properties in one (e.g., seed) or other parts (leaves, bark, stem etc.) or in the whole plant. Range of toxic phytochemicals has been isolated and reported from ornamental plants worldwide. Plant lovers should be careful while selecting ornamental plants for their private gardening and plantation.