TOXIC PLANT ORGANISMS FOUND IN THE PHILIPPINES

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Scientific Name
Schefflera spp., Brassaia arboricola

Common Names
Schefflera, starleaf, Australian umbrella tree

Family
Araliaceae.

Plant Description
Evergreen shrub or tree; leaves alternate, palmately divided into 8, smooth-margined leaflets, dark green, base of leaf stalk clasping the stem; flowers small, seldom formed in houseplants.

Origin
Asia.

Poisonous Part
Leaves, plant sap from all parts.

Symptoms
Vomiting, numbness and tingling of the mouth, lack of coordination. Skin irritation after contact with cell sap.

Toxic Principle
Oxalates

Severity
Causes only low toxicity if eaten.  Skin irritation minor, or lasting only for a few minutes