I was just reading about bitter almonds. The kernels (and shoots and leaves) contain a substance called amygdalin--also known as laetrile--which serves as a chemical defense against their being eaten. When it is mixed with water it splits into benzaldehyde--known as oil of bitter almonds, the stuff used in almond extract, and perfectly edible--and hydrocyanic acid--also known as hydrogen cyanide, and very poisonous. In short, if you try to eat these things, they'll kill you. What a defense system!

Sweet almonds don't produce amygdalin; it is evidently controlled by a recessive gene.

Nature is incredibly fascinating! And these trees are pretty crafty.

 

Trees can be even worse than that - remember a few years ago when they started attacking our celebrities on ski slopes?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by magician
[B]In short, if you try to eat these things, they'll kill you.

 

That made me chuckle

 

What about Triffids - those 'll kill you too !

 

Several years ago laetrile was touted as a cancer cure, but has been largely discounted as having any such value since.