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Rosary Pea Seeds

52 Weeks theme - bokeh

 

"This plant may sound pious, but it's actually deadly. Rosary peas got their name from their traditional use as ornamental beads for rosaries. They are used in jewelry around the world. Many jewelry makers have died after pricking a finger while handling a rosary pea. The poison contained within the seed is abrin — a close relative of ricin and one of the most fatal toxins on Earth."

-- Mother Nature Network

 

Hmmm....found these growing in the lot next to my house. I had no idea that they were posionous until I googled red and black seeds.

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Uploaded on April 19, 2012
Taken on April 18, 2012