Question:
I'm looking for information regarding the Indian bead. This is a hard
shelled seed, red/orange with a jet black tip, growing on a very thin green
vine. Called Indian bead because the indians here in florida used to string
them for necklaces. Chewing and swallowing a single bead can kill a human
being. BUT, what about chickens????? The beads and their vine are abundant in
my yard. I am wondering if they could harm my birds, or, if they managed to
ingest the beads, would it pass poison to the eggs or the bird meat, both of
which I use. My own search of the internet found much info concerning people,
but none concerning birds. If anyone could direct me to some info on this I
would really appreciate it.
Answer:
- Is there any way you can get rid of this plant? Pull it up or spray with
weedkiller?
It doesn't sound the kind of thing to have growing where animals or
children have access.
-is there any chance you could find out the botanic name of that plant? I
have a huge book on toxicology, maybe I could find out something. Highly
interesting plant in any case. (No, I really don't plan to kill
somebody .
Just as a wild guess I would think if nobody around knows any sad story
and you can't find it in the literature it MIGHT be that either they
taste that these seeds are no good for them, or they are not harmed by
them. There's a plant over here for example that humans may safely eat,
but is poisonous for cattle.
