Health officials in Andalucia have issued a warning to would-be foragers after a series of intoxications this week.
Several people have been hospitalised at the La Merced Hospital in Osuna after accidentally consuming a poisonous plant they mistook for spinach.
According to local outlet El Pespunte and sources from the regional health service speaking to EFE, the plant responsible for the intoxications is believed to be black henbane.
The toxic wild species grows in the countryside and can resemble edible plants at certain stages of its development.
Health warning over wild plant foraging
The Osuna Health Management Area (AGSO) said on its social media channels that several cases of poisoning linked to the consumption of wild plants gathered in the countryside have been treated in recent days.
Health officials warned that some toxic plants can easily be confused with edible wild vegetables, particularly when they are young or have not yet developed flowers, making identification more difficult.
Authorities have urged people not to collect or consume wild plants unless they are absolutely certain of their identification, and to avoid gathering young plants, which are more easily mistaken for toxic species.
Symptoms to watch for
Health officials also warned that anyone who experiences symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, nausea or general discomfort after eating plants collected in the wild should seek medical attention immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
