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Giant Hogweed: Vampire Plant
Giant Hogweed looks like an alien plant, standing up to 5.5 metres tall with immense leaves and flowers. Its bizarre appearance should serve as a warning to the unwary as it is full of a photo-sensitive and toxic sap which causes the skin to blister and swell painfully, leaving behind permanent disfiguring scars. This effect is dramatically worsened by the sap-laden skin being exposed to sunlight. The reaction starts with itching and reddening, gradually worsening over the next 48 hours and can become so severe that hospitalisation can become necessary. If even a small amount of the sap comes into contact with the eyes, permanent blindness can result.
