Scientific Name
Acalypha hispida
Common Name
Chenile plant, red-hot cattail

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE!

Characteristics

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Plant Description
Shrub with alternate, simple leaves, toothed on the margin; flowers small, bright red, in long, slender, drooping clusters.
Origin
Australia and New Guinea.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Milky sap from leaves and stems.
Symptoms
Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Acute dermatitis after contact with milky sap.
Toxic Principle
Diterpene esters.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology, and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming Miguel A. Buendia; graphics Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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