Scientific Name
Scadoxus multiflorus (Haemanthus multiflorus)
Common Name
Blood lily, African blood lily, powderpuff lily

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Plant Description
Bulbous herb with alternate, simple leaves, stem and leaf stalk spotted; flowers crowded, mostly erect, tubular below with 6 spreading petal-like segments, scarlet fading to pink; fruit an orange to red berry.
Origin
Africa.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape, cultivated ornamental bulb.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Bulbs.
Symptoms
Salivation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Toxic Principle
Lycorine and other alkaloids.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY 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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