In Israel, while it is not possible to find the wild garlic plant, there are other species of garlic that can be found. However, over the years, confusion between poisonous plants and edible plants has led to real danger. Avivit Berkovich, an expert in collecting wild plants for food and medicine and the author of the book “The Guide for Nature Lovers,” explains how this can happen. Sometimes people misidentify plants or do not know how to use them properly, leading to potential risks.
Berkovich emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying plants in order to avoid accidents. She highlights that some plants like hemlock may be confused with common edible plants like parsley but can be toxic. Proper identification involves examining multiple parts of the plant to ensure accurate identification.
One example she gives is the danger of mistaking hemlock for parsley, which can have serious consequences on the nervous system if ingested. Berkovich also warns about the risks associated with toxin absorption from plants such as a woman who experienced paralysis after being in close contact with a toxic plant while cleaning her garden.
She stresses that understanding the potential dangers of wild plants and taking precautions to avoid accidental poisoning is crucial. Therefore, thorough research and knowledge before foraging for wild plants are necessary.