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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Saturday - November 13, 2010

From: Kansas City, KS
Region: Midwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Searching for poisonous plants from Kansas City
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Looking on how to acquire wourali vine, upas, or arrow poison wood.

ANSWER:

Whoa! This is WAY out of our line, and should be out of yours. The Internet seems to be full of similar inquiries. These plants not only are non-native to North America, but should be banned anywhere. Wourali translates to Curare, upas is apparently another name for it. Whatever weird new fad is being pursued, we are not going to play. We suggest you find another hobby.
 

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