Scientific Name
Bowiea volubilis
Common Name
Climbing onion, zulu potato

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Liliaceae
Plant Description
Large, exposed, green, scaly bulb with slender, twining, leafless, green stems; flowers small, green-white.
Origin
Africa.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape, "curiosity" plant.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Entire plant.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, slow pulse. Contact with bulb can cause irritation of wet skin.
Toxic Principle
Cardiac glycosides.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES 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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