Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 August 1903 — Plant with Deadly Odor. [ARTICLE]

Plant with Deadly Odor.

There are criminals among plants ns well as among animals and human beings. Those that have the most sinister reputation are known as death plants, which are found only in the Ajolcanic districts' of Java and Sumatra. The plant’s appearance quite belies its name, for it is really very attractive, being a low growth shrub with long thorny stems covered with beautiful broad leaves. The upper surface of these leaves Is a vivid emerald, while the lower surface is a brilliant starlet. The flowers -are great white bell-shaped blossoms, which exhale a sweet; and deadly perfume. The death plant grows In the most fertile spots, but ail about It the ground becomes barren of vegetation and neither bird nor beast may come within a wide radius of It. They know better, but rash- man. with Rio warning •instinct to guide him, will occasionally linger too long in its vicinity, enchanted by its delielous and heavy fragrance, until he experiences the distressing effects of his imprudence—a blinding headache, which, if be still remains, will be f*.Lowed by temporary desfness, convulsions of muscles of the face and insensibility. .