ERICACEAE

The Ericaceae or heather family comprises some 4000+ species of herbs, shrubs and trees in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions of the world. It includes some well-known species such as the cranberry, blueberry, and huckleberry, which are major fruit crops. Highly poisonous Ericaceae predominantly belong to the Azalea genus Rhododendron, with some 1000+ species. Rhododendron are woody shrubs with whorled leaves and large showy symmetrical flowers. Various horticulture cultivars of Rhododendron are called Azaleas. All species of Rhododendron, particularly R. lutea, R. pontica and R. simsii contain diterpene neurotoxins called grayanotoxins. Every parts of Rhododendron including the pollens are poisonous. Grayanotoxins can become concentrated in bee honey collected from Rhododendron. The toxic honey can cause hallucination or even death to humans. Grayanotoxins inhibit ion flow from cell to cell, leading to heart rhythm abnormalities. Remarkably, the dangerous ‘mad honey’ is deliberately collected and consumed by Nepalese tribesmen for its invigorating psychoactive effects!

 

Azalea (Rhododendron Hort.), double red flower horticulture cultivar.

Azalea, close up of flower.

Azalea, single pink flower horticulture cultivar.

Azalea, single white flower horticulture cultivar.