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Scientific
Name
Dieffenbachia
spp.
Common
Names
Dieffenbachia, dumbcane
Family
Araceae
Plant
Description
Tall,
perennial herbs; leaves alternate, simple, large, mottled with white,
yellowish, and different shades of green; flowers in a spadix surrounded
by a spathe.
Origin
Tropics.
Poisonous
Part
All
parts.
Symptoms
Burning
and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat; difficulty in speaking and
swallowing; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Skin irritation
if exposed to cell sap.
Toxic
Principle
Calcium
oxalate crystals, oxalic acid.
Structures
calcium
oxalate
oxalic acid
Severity
Toxic
only if large quantities eaten. Causes
severe pain in the mouth if eaten. Skin
irritation minor, or lasting only for a few minutes.
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