Bird of Paradise Toxicity
It produces yellow or yellow-orange flowers. It also is a fruiting bush. It looks quite stunning in its natural environment. The bird of paradise plant looks delicious, but don't even think about eating the fruit or other parts of the plant. The plant is poisonous and most parts of the plant can produce uncomfortable symptoms. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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Bird of paradise plants generally grow as a bush or a small tree. The flowers typically appear in clusters at the end of the branch. Bird of paradise plant flowers are usually yellow or yellow-orange with a red stamen. Some also bear fruit. The fruit of the plant is a long, flat seed pod. Other names for the plant are pride of Barbados and dwarf poinciana.
Seeds and Leaves
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The bird of paradise plant has a generally low level of toxicity. However, eating the leaves or the seeds can cause troubling symptoms. The leaves contain hydrocyanic acid. The toxins in the seed pods are tannins.
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Digestive System Symptoms
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Ingesting any part of the plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting are symptoms of bird of paradise poisoning. While the plant's toxins are not life-threatening, diarrhea and vomiting can produce dehydration. Those symptoms should be taken seriously.
Other Symptoms
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Other symptoms include dizziness and drowsiness. Again, these symptoms are not necessarily life-threatening.
Treatment
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While, for most people, ingesting part of the bird of paradise plant is not life-threatening, some may have more serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include sneezing, breaking out in hives and severe headaches. If these symptoms occur, seek medical help as soon as possible.
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References
- Photo Credit mexican bird of paradise image by Carol Hyman from Fotolia.com
