Hepatotoxic, pyrrolizidine -containing herbs are present in several plant families, and the consumption of these plants as teas or contaminates of cereal have caused epidemics of hepatic veno -occlusive disease in various countries throughout the world. 1 In 1920, Wilmot and Robertson described liver cirrhosis associated with the ingestion of Senecio species in South Africa. 2 Cases of pyrrolizidine alkaloid intoxication are sporadic in the developed Western countries, whereas epidemics of veno -occlusive disease occur in underdeveloped countries where pyrrolizidine alkaloids contaminate foodstuffs. During periods of famine in Afghanistan 3 and in southern Tajikistan, 4 the consumption of bread contaminated by seeds from Heliotropium lasiocarpum Fisch. & C. A. Mey. caused an outbreak of hepatic veno -occlusive disease. In India, the ingestion of bread contaminated by Crotalaria seeds produced an epidemic of venoocclusive liver disease. 5 Case reports from India also associated the use of pyrrolizidine -containing herbs ( Heliotropium lasiocarpum ) with the development of veno -occlusive disease and hepatic failure. 6 The consumption of Echium and Heliotropium species by grazing animals also produces liver toxicity and death. 7 In Jamaica, the ingestion of bush teas brewed from local Crotalaria species caused veno -occlusive disease in the 1950s. 8 America (the West, the Northeast, Michigan, Illinois), New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. Common Name: Threadleaf Groundsel, Threadleaf Ragwort, Wooly Groundsel Scientifi c Name: Senecio fl accidus Less. ( Senecio douglasii species longilobus ) Physical Description: This low, perennial, woody shrub grows to 2 ft (0.6 m) in height. A white wooly pubescence covers the large, pinnate leaves. The composite heads contain numerous fl at terminal clusters with yellow rays. Distribution and Ecology: Senecio fl accidus is a native shrub of the southwestern United States. Boraginaceae (Borage) Echium species are hardy annual and biennial plants that possess erect, hairy stems and ovate to lanceolate, green leaves. Heliotropium europaeum L. (European heliotrope) is an annual plant that contains gray -green, oval leaves covered with short, white hairs and prominent veins. Heliotrope seeds are approximately 2 mm ( โผ 0.08 in.) long, occurring in groups of four single -seeded nutlets.