Scientific Name
Ananas comosus
Common Name
Pineapple

CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Bromeliaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herb with basal, erect, stiff, sharp-pointed and spiny-margined leaves; flowers and berries in an erect, tight cluster.
Origin
South America.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in containers as tender plant.
Mode
Dermatitis; ingestion of large quantities of raw pineapple and/or sap from leaves.
Poisonous Part
Sap from leaves.
Symptoms
Mild skin irritation from contact with juice; mechanical damage from sharp-pointed leaves; irritation to the eyes from splashed juice; irritation of mouth, lips, and tongue.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Mature fruit edible raw or cooked.
Toxic Principle
Bromelin, ethyl acrylate, and calcium oxalate crystals.
Severity
CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"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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