I could not say it better myself, so here is the exact food and safety excerpt on the toxin cyanogenic glycosides. They use Cassava (Manihot esclenta) as their example, but it applies here as well. Keep in mind to not be afraid to eat these plants, just be aware that their leaves and seeds are not meant to be consumed. If you do consume some, then it is not likely you will have any complications. Keep these away from animals and live stock that may consume large amounts of them. There could be extreme cases, so be aware of the following symptoms, of which, full credit is given to the food and safety administration.
Symptoms-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background
On 14 January 2008, the Center for Food Safety (CFS) advised members of the public to avoid consuming Piranha brand crackers and snacks manufactured by Tixana Australia Pty Ltd. The appeal was made following a warning issued by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) due to the higher-than-usual levels of naturally occurring cyanogenic glycosides in the ingredient cassava in a batch of exported vegetable crackers. The CFS contacted the relevant authorities and was informed that the affected products had been exported to Hong Kong. The CFS alerted the trade to stop selling the affected products.
What are Cyanogenic Glycosides?
Cyanogenic glycosides are a group of chemical compounds which occur naturally in over 2 000 plant species. There are at least 25 cyanogenic glycosides known to be found in the edible parts of plants. Cyanogenic glycosides alone are relatively non-toxic. However, as a result of enzymatic hydrolysis by beta-glucosidase following maceration of plant tissues as they are eaten, or by the gut microflora, cyanogenic glycosides are broken down to release hydrogen cyanide which is toxic to both animals and humans. The potential toxicity of a cyanogenic plant depends primarily on its capacity to produce hydrogen cyanide.
What are the Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning?
In humans, the clinical signs of acute cyanide intoxication include rapid respiration, drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, mental confusion, twitching and convulsions. Death due to cyanide poisoning can occur when the cyanide level exceeds the limit an individual is able to detoxify. The acute lethal dose of hydrogen cyanide for humans is reported to be 0.5 to 3.5 mg per kilogram of body weight. Children are particularly at risk because of their smaller body size.
Chronic cyanide intoxication may lead to the development of certain conditions including disturbance of thyroid function and neurological disorders. It tends to affect those individuals who have regular long-term consumption of cassava with poor nutrition status.
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It is important to note that this toxin is not lethal as it occurs in the seeds or leaves, unless in large doses. It is also important to note that it IS HIGHLY LETHAL if it is allowed to decompose after crushing and exposure to air or on digestion, poisonous amounts may be generated. The trace amounts may give a characteristic taste ("bitter almond") with increasing bitterness in larger quantities, less tolerable to people than to birds, which habitually feed on specific fruits.
Summery--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common name---Cherries, Plums, see above, many species were covered.
Species name---Does not apply to this post as many were covered, however, Prunus avium, is the species name for "wild cherries"
Genus name---Prunus
Family name---Roseaceae
Symptoms---See above* Note that it would be highly unlikely for a human or livestock to get ill from these plants; however, still possible if it is in a large enough quantity.
Treatments---Specific kits exist to treat cyanide poisoning; however, you would have to have imitate help to avoid death if the dose is large enough.
How to identify the plant---These are very commonly seen plants all throughout the world. As a food plant, these are not a focus on plants we want people to be able to recognize, because you should be able to already. You can tell these plants by their fleshy layer that protects the seeds. They are also rounded.
Toxic parts---seeds and leaves
Location of plant---all around the world. Is used in trade.
Interesting facts---Turkey is the number one cultivator in the world when it comes to cherries.
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