Slakkenvraat aan gouden regen?

A reported case of severe damage by snails (apparently Helix aspersa Müller) to Laburnum (Laburnum anagyrioides) raises the question how these snails can consume and digest the foliage of a reputely poisonous plant species, without any noticeable harm. Reports of similar cases of snails feeding on poisonous plants (and mushrooms), are recommended in view of future scientific research into the biochemistry of the defence mechanism of the snail (or snails) concerned, against the poisonous or repellant substances in the plant or fungus, which may aid the study of host-parasite relations and also the quest for synthetic biocides.