Within the great diversity of existing plants in the world, there are a few that we must pay special attention to, especially if we have them at home. In principle it is not a problem, unless there are children or animals involved. Today, in Gardenprue, we are going to know some toxic plants that you should know and that can affect children or animals.
Index
10 TOXIC PLANTS TO CONSIDER WHEN THERE ARE CHILDREN AT HOME
1. HORTENSIA (HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA)
In hydrangea , both the flowers and the leaves can be toxic. This poisoning can be produced by ingestion , as it contains cyanogenic glycosides and saponins. The effects it produces on the body range from vomiting to abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.
YOU CAN SEE : hydrangea cultivation characteristics
2. EASTER FLOWER ( EUPHORBIA PULCHERRIMA )
We previously discussed how to grow the poinsettia . When we have it in our house, we must be careful that it is not close or close to children and animals. One solution is to place it on a shelf or high in a closet.
The entire set of the poinsettia (leaves, flowers, stems …) are toxic when ingested or when they are introduced through the mucosa , since their active elements contain alkaloids, phenols and resins. When you come into contact with the poinsettia, contact dermatitis can occur or if diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. is ingested .
3. ELEPHANT EAR OR ALOCASIA ( ALOCASIA MACRORRHIZA )
With regard to Alocasia , almost the entire plant can be toxic, or at least the stems and leaves for sure. As the leaves are large and attractive to the eye , it is a problem when swallowed , touched and then palpated the eyes or touched the nose, etc.
Any of these actions cause different sensations. If elephant ear is ingested it can cause heartburn, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, glottis edema, etc.
If it comes into contact with the plant and sensitive parts of the body (eyes or mucosa), irritations of the skin or eyes and contact dermatitis occur due to its content of calcium oxalates and asparagine.
4. AMARILIS (AMARYLLIS HIPPEASTRUM SP.)
The Amarilis is a houseplant well known and very showy flowers. Fortunately, the toxic part of this plant is the bulbs and not the flowers, as they contain some alkaloids that are toxic when ingested or put in the mouth. Some symptoms they produce range from abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heart disorders, seizures, etc.
5. ADAM’S RIB ( MONSTERA DELICIOSA )
The rib of Adam , another plant that also has passed through our hands in Gardenprue , should you not acordabais. The whole plant is toxic, but it is its leaves that cause the biggest problems, due to their size and peculiar shape. When ingested , due to the calcium oxalate crystals that it contains among its active principles, it causes irritation of the mucous membranes (tongue, palate, etc.), hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, kidney damage, etc.
6. JERUSALEM CHERRY ( SOLANUM PSEUDOCAPSICUM )
The Jerusalem cherry or Madeira cherry produces very colorful and attractive orange or reddish fruits, which can be eaten by children or animals. When this occurs, it produces some gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, dry mucous membranes, shortness of breath, pupil dilation, etc. It must be taken into account that these symptoms occur when the ingestion dose is high. Normally this plant has a low toxicity, so the ingestion of one of its small fruits does not pose any problem.
7. DUMBCANE (DIEFFENBACHIA SEGUINE)
This tropical indoor plant is toxic in its entirety. The problems originate both by ingestion of any part of the plant and by direct contact. Contains high doses of calcium oxalate and asparagine that induce gastrointestinal problems, mucosal irritation, acidosis, kidney damage, etc.
8.- ESPATIFILO OR CRADLE OF MOSES ( SPATHIPHYLLUM WALLISII )
The spatifilo or cradle of Moses is a houseplant that produces toxicity when the leaves are ingested . If this were to occur, the high content of calcium oxalates would cause intestinal pain, tongue, throat and mucosal irritation.
9. WISTERIA, WISTERIA OR WISTERIA (GENUS WISTERIA , WISTERIA SINENSIS AND WISTERIA FLORIBUNDA )
Wisteria belongs to the species of climbing plants and produces very showy flowers of a purplish color. However, it is not its flowers but its seeds that are toxic when ingested , since they contain some toxic glycosides and resins. When the seeds are ingested, produce n áuseas and vomiting, abdominal and intestinal pains, headache, confusion, syncope, etc.
10.- CALADIUM (CALADIUM BICOLOR)
The genus Caladium produces visually attractive red flowers shaped like an elephant’s ear . Its content of oxalates and asparagine causes burning of the mouth and throat, diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, if touched, the juice it produces causes irritation of the mucosa and eyes.