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nomel • today at 7:11 PM • 2 replies • view on HN

Picking the wrong berry from a bush isn't so difficult. Ask me how I know. And, for my second encounter, don't think because you see an animal eating it, it's safe!


Replies

cratermoon • today at 7:28 PM

Did you know birds do not have receptors for capsaicin? They can eat any pepper and it doesn't affect them. So if you see a bird snacking on a pepper that's red or greenish-yellow, wrinkly, and has a pointy end, well ... watch out

colechristensen • today at 8:13 PM

And onions are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. There is a lot less shared responses as to what is toxic or edible across species.

Basically every flavor compound in an herb or spice we eat is a poison directed at insects, microbes, or other creatures. (much less every medicinal or psychoactive compound found in nature)