- Lethal Motivation: In the climax of "The White Lotus," the series highlighted Thailand’s lethal Pong Pong tree — referred to as the "suicide tree." This plant carries seeds so toxic that even a single dosage can be fatal.
- The Field Museum in Chicago has a secure collection featuring the Pong Pong fruit along with various poisonous plants. Botanist Kimberly Hansen notes that this assortment encompasses species commonly found growing alongside roadsides.
- From Toxicity to Treatment: Numerous lethal plants, such as the Pong Pong, play crucial roles in developing vital medications—Hansen aims to ignite public curiosity about botany through this dual nature.
CHICAGO - The makers of "The White Lotus" introduced the concept of Thailand’s lethal Pong Pong tree as early as the first episode.
If you were among the almost seven million viewers who tuned into the season finale this past weekend, then you're aware: the seeds from the Pong Pong fruit are extremely toxic.
That's why it's also known as the "suicide tree." However, you can find the poisonous plant without having to travel to Thailand.
What we know"In this cabinet we have all of our locked-away poisonous specimens," said Field Museum botanist Kimberly Hansen, unlocking a large metal cabinet in the museum’s fourth-floor collections wing. "We’ve got lots of dangerous things here."
Hansen possesses the key to one of the most lethal assemblages of seeds and flora globally.
"She stated that it's not necessarily fatal. However, even a solitary seed has caused deaths before," she mentioned as she held a container with fruits from the Pong-Pong tree.
That's the fruit prominently featured in the final episode of "The White Lotus," where a character contemplates a murder-suicide by mixing the lethal seeds into a piña colada.
Hansen stated, “If you consume it, your body will attempt to expel it. You’ll begin vomiting and experiencing diarrhea as your system tries every means possible to eliminate it before it fully kicks in. However, the real danger lies in how it impacts your heart; essentially leading to heart failure.”
A majority of the Field Museum's toxic plant specimens originate from various countries across the globe. However, the risk isn't distant—it might be lurking right in your neighborhood.
Hansen mentioned, "These grow as weeds alongside roads everywhere around the globe." She pointed out that ordinary plants such as milkweed, sunflowers, and specific bean varieties have the potential to be lethal or cause severe illness.
What I suggest is not fearing plants. Instead, I advise respecting them and avoiding random foraging, as you should know precisely what they are before interacting with them.
The most astounding aspect is that numerous lethal plants are simultaneously utilized to create vital medications. It comes down to understanding how to remove the harmful elements.
Why do so many plants have toxins?
They don’t want to be consumed," Hansen explained. "This is how they protect themselves. We have our own defense mechanisms, and for plants, this is their method of self-defense — since they cannot move away.
What's nextOn Monday, the lethal seeds will be exhibited at the Field Museum for just one day.
Hansen will also present, stating she hasn’t watched "The White Lotus"; however, being a botanist, she expressed her joy saying, “It’s great that people are eager to know more about plants.”
Dane Placko from FOX 32 covered this report.