By Sally Boyce

TRADING standards is warning sellers to ensure plants are labelled clearly after a child suffered a hallucinogenic experience after ingesting part of a leaf in her grandmother’s garden.

Six-year-old Lily Lloyd- Clokie’s ‘caterpillar’ game brought her into contact with a dangerous plant belonging to the belladonna family, and within hours she was having hallucinations and rushed to Hereford
County Hospital’s A&E department.

Now Lily’s grandmother, Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes, who bought the plant, is calling
for changes to market stalls selling plants so that those with a potential health risk carry a warning label.

A Herefordshire county councillor, Mrs Lloyd-Hayes reported her deep concerns
to a Healthwatch Herefordshire public meeting.

She said her daughter and son-in-law were visiting her, and her two grandchildren, Lily and three-yearold Grace had been enjoying playing in the garden.

Only later, the family discovered the plant at the centre of Lily’s game actually belonged to the ‘Datura’ family, a plant that has been used for centuries in some cultures as a poison.

Research shows Datura can cause delirium, and recorded instances of those who have ingested it reveal their experiences to have been extremely unpleasant - mentally and physically.

“I bought the plant from a stall some months ago, and my granddaughter was playing a game with her sister and ate a couple of leaves,” said Mrs Lloyd- Hayes.

“Lily’s eyes were dilated, she couldn’t read, and she exhibited bizarre behaviour and began hallucinating,” said Mrs Lloyd- Hayes. “She was taken into the resuscitation room at the hospital. It was very distressing for her parents and for the rest of the family.”

The symptoms lasted for 48 hours.

As the family investigated possible causes for Lily’s scary experience, her grandmother picked up a few shredded leaves in her garden, and went on to develop a worrying reaction herself.

“I had a film over my eyes and felt very wobbly,” she explained, pointing out that she had to seek medical help.

“I’m very concerned that there is no way of knowing if plant stalls are selling something this dangerous.”

Principal trading standards officer at Herefordshire Council, Tim Thorne said while it was not illegal to sell plants without labelling, he urged traders to abide by the Horticultural Trades Association code of practice which calls for warning tags.

“This particular case highlights the fact that there are dangerous plants. Many people might not have a clue that some plants or berries can make you ill,” said Mr Thorne. “Sometimes even touching a plant can cause effects.

“I shall be advising traders selling plants of those listed which must come with a relevant warning, if there is a health issue.”