Wild plant downs 23 kids

STA. CRUZ, Laguna , Philippines   – At least 23 pupils aged seven to 12 were hospitalized after they ate fruits of a wild plant called tubang bakod (purging nut) in their school grounds in Sta. Maria, Laguna Thursday afternoon, police said.

The victims, all students of the Bagumbayan Elementary School, felt sick and vomited two hours after eating the plant’s fruits and were rushed to the General Cailles Hospital in nearby Pakil town.

Nine of the 23 children were discharged later that day.

Teachers said the tubang bakod has medicinal properties but its fruits should not be eaten.