Scientific Name
Synadenium grantii
Common Name
African milk bush

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

Characteristics

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Plant Description
Succulent shrub with milky latex; leaves alternate, simple, fleshy; flowers small and inconspicuous, in a small cup with a red rim of glands.
Origin
Africa.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape.
Mode
Dermatitis and ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Milky plant sap from all parts.
Symptoms
Immediate or delayed irritation (burning, redness, blisters, swelling) to skin and eyes following contact with milky latex; ingestion causes irritation of lips, tongue, and throat.
Toxic Principle
Diterpene esters.
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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