ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, October 10, 1996 TAG: 9610100010
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: hoein' & growin
SOURCE: DIANE RELF
Most of our homes are graced with houseplants. As adults, we realize these plants are to be looked at and not eaten, but children may have other ideas. Be sure children understand about houseplant safety, and if necessary, place houseplants so little hands cannot reach them.
Keep children from these houseplants
Members of the Araceae family: These plants contain needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate that penetrate and irritate tissues of the mouth and throat. Chemicals in their sap, such as asparagine (a protein), also can cause inflammation of mucous membranes. Plants in this family include dieffenbachia, philodendron, caladium and elephant's ear. Symptoms of poisoning from dieffenbachia are intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips. If the reaction is severe enough, the swelling can seal off the breathing passages. Philodendron, caladium and elephant's ear produce the same types of symptoms when ingested.
Members of the Arum family: If a piece of the corm (underground stem) is eaten, symptoms are a fiery burning of the mouth and throat. Jack-in-the-pulpit is the member to watch in the Arum family.
Members of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family: Most members of the spurge family have a milky sap that is acrid and toxic. This sap can cause dermatitis in some people and poisoning if eaten by someone who is allergic to the chemicals in the sap. Members of this family include the crown-of-thorns, the pencil tree (milk bush), poinsettia, and snow-on-the-mountain. Snow-on-the-mountain can cause blisters and skin burns.
Members of the Solanaceae family: These plants contain solanine, a poisonous glycoalkaloid, that is extremely toxic even in small amounts. Jerusalem cherry is an ornamental in this family. Eating its berries cause symptoms ranging from headaches and stomach pains to shock and paralysis of the circulatory and respiratory systems. However, not all members of the Solanaceae family are toxic - for example, tomatoes and peppers.
Poinsettia undeserving of toxic reputation?
It is appropriate to note here the debate about the poinsettia. The original warnings on this plant were from a report in 1919 on a child who died in Hawaii, where poinsettias are used as outdoor ornamentals. However, laboratory tests have not confirmed the toxicity of the plant when ingested. Poison control centers receive many reports each year of ingestion of poinsettia, but only occasional abdominal pain and nausea have been documented.
Now that you are aware of possible dangers with certain houseplants, you can take steps to ensure the safety of others around these lovely plants. Try using hanging baskets, high shelves or window boxes to keep plants away from children. You don't need to stop displaying these plants, just do so carefully.
LENGTH: Medium: 59 linesby CNB