Plantas malas

Plants are some of my best friends, but there are a few who must be recognized and treated with a healthy respect, meaning.... "Stay the heck away from me."

Here in the northeast, there is a spectacular bumper crop of this baby.  It is thriving and is everywhere in the park near my house.

That's right, poison ivy.

Whenever I see it, it reminds me of seeing this plant in the cactus reserve near Zapotitlan in Puebla.  It was the only plant in sight that was flowering.  I was by myself, just wandering around, taking photos and the closer I got to this plant, the more it said, "Whatever you do, don't touch me."  Normally, I might rub a leaf or flower and check for fragrance or feel for texture, but I paid attention to the plant's warning and stayed away.

When I got back, I showed the shot to our cactus expert and he said that it was called :
"mujere mala" and caused a nasty rash when touched.  However, in his village the people had a use for every cactus and the women harvested it and used it to make a balm that was used in treating arthritis.

Plants.  Gottas love 'em..... and respect them.  Where would we be without them?