Scientific Name
Alocasia spp.
Common Name
Elephant's-ear

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE!

Characteristics

Family
Araceae
Plant Description
Herbaceous perennial; leaves simple, long-stalked, large heart-shaped, prominently veined and sometimes variegated; flowers seldom seen, small, clustered on a spadix and surrounded by a modified leaf (the spathe).
Origin
Tropical.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape as cultivated summer ornamental.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis, eye injury
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Painful irritation of lips, mouth, tongue, and throat after chewing; difficulty of speaking. Nausea and diarrhea, delirium and death.
Toxic Principle
Needle-like, calcium oxalate crystals; possible proteins.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL 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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