Guest Author - Connie Krochmal
For the most part poisonous and injurious plants aren’t a major problem. But, it helps to know what you’re dealing with. A few of the cacti and succulents can be considered toxic or harmful. Here are some details on those that can cause potential problems.
The desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a member of the dogbane family. Like many of its relatives, the desert rose can exude a milky acrid sap when the stems or leaves are broken. This sap has cardioactive ingredients that can be dangerous if taken internally. Ingestion can cause abdominal pain and vomiting.
Some of the euphorbias or spurge species yield a milky latex. This can cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals. Avoid getting this in your eyes or bare skin, particularly if you have open sores or wounds. All parts of the euphorbias could be potentially poisonous if consumed. If swallowed, this can cause lesions of the mouth. Ingestion of the juice can also act as a purgative. In addition, gastrointestinal symptoms can occur.
Pachypodium is another member of the dogbane family. These often have a caudex. Bearing resemblance to a columnar cactus, this has thorns up and down the length of the stems. These thorns are modified stipules. They can be injurious, so be careful. Like the other dogbane relatives, this plant yields a poisonous sap.
Agaves, including the century plant and maguey, contain an irritating latex or sap. This can cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
Though aloe is normally thought of as a medicinal plant, consuming too much is discouraged. Some experts have suggested that overconsumption could cause kidney problems.
Christmas candle is also known as candelilla. This is a species of pedilanthus. It is related to the euphorbias or spurges. All parts of the plant have a toxic white sap. Avoid getting this on your skin. It can cause severe dermatitis in susceptible individuals. If taken internally, it can bring on various gastrointestinal symptoms. These include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and nausea.
The baby jade (Crassula argentea) also has a burning, irritating sap. This comes from the leaves and all other parts of the plant. This latex can cause dermatitis.
Among susceptible individuals, the sap of goldmoss stonecrop has been known to cause dermatitis.
It isn’t surprising that cactus spines can injure the skin. The prickly pears are often to blame. The barbs present particular problems as these stick firmly into the skin. When working with these plants, protect your hands and arms with heavy, long sleeved clothing and good quality gardening gloves. If injury does occur, seek medical attention. Watch the injured spot carefully for signs of infection.
