Scientific Name
Pyrularia pubera
Common Name
Buffalo nut

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Santalaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous shrub; leaves alternate, simple, thin; flowers inconspicuous in elongated clusters; fruit an elongated, pear-shaped drupe, widest at the apex with 5 scars of the flower parts.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Mountains.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in deciduous woods.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Seeds.
Symptoms
No known poisonings, but just tasting the seed causes severe irritation of the mouth.
Toxic Principle
Unidentified, possibly calcium oxalate crystals.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN!

"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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