ABSTRACT
All species of the family Ericaceae contain varying quantities of toxic diterpenoids collectively known as grayanotoxins I and II (formerly andromedotoxin, rhodotoxin, and acetylandromedol).1 As many as 18 grayanotoxins (I – XVIII) have been identified, the greatest number being found in the Leucothoe species (fetterbush).2,3 Tannins and other compounds are also present in varying amounts. All parts of the fetterbrush including the flowers and the nectar are toxic, although there may be considerable variation between species and even amongst plants of the same species depending on the growing conditions.
