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It is reported that the Philippine consulate in Dubai will rip out two Oleander plants in its compound even as a senior doctor warned that people should not use any parts of plants without guidance or prescription from medical professionals.

Dr. Mohammad Kamil, head of pharmacognosy department at the Zayed Herbal Research Centre, made the warning after a 48-year old resident died after he drank a concoction made from the oleander plant, a pretty but poisonous, common plant.

The Oleander, a native to the Western Himalayas that is easily adaptable, is dark green, quick-growing and when mature it bears clusters of beautiful white, red or pink flowers.  It has been planted worldwide due to its ability to accept a wide variety of soil types, including sand.  Rarely needing cultivation, it is known as a ready volunteer wherever even a small amount of water can be found.

Philippine Consul General in Dubai, Antonio Curameng, said he could not risk endangering the visitors and their children who visit the consulate daily. "I am worried that the children may play and put any part of the plants in their mouths," he said. "We don't want to wait for adverse events to happen to visitors to the consulate", he added.

The Federal health authority said it will list all the poisonous plants in the country. In the meantime, anybody who has any problems or queries should call the Poison and Drug Information Centre at 800 424.

Dr. Mohammad Abu Al Khair, acting head of drugs and medical products at Abu Dhabi Health Authority, told Gulf News that they expected to complete the study, which would also list the signs and symptoms of poisoning, by July this year.

He added that parents should take extra precautions around the oleander plant and other plants in the coming summer months, when the risk of poisoning increases for children. The doctor said the study would to serve as a future guide to the public on all poisonous plants in the UAE and the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, many residents were concerned but largely unfazed about the alert issued in Abu Dhabi against the Oleander plant. Its extract is often used in alternative medicine, but its raw extract is extremely toxic and has enough poison in one leaf to kill a child.

Emirati Ahmed Jaber Belshalat who has two children, said he had planned to destroy the plants until he found out the danger was only from consuming them.

"We have had this plant for years. I was going to destroy it on the weekend but I changed my mind. We're not cows. We don't eat plants," he said.

He added that he would warn his children against playing with all plants.

Fairuz Nassif, a Malaysian mother of two, said she had planted the plants a few days ago because she thought the flowers were pretty.

"I'm not going to throw them out. I don't make my own herbal concoctions and my children are old enough to know not to eat the plant. In fact, they don't even go out into the garden," she said.