Plants and mushrooms

Cunjevoi

Common name		Cunjevoi
Botanical name		Alocasia brisbanensis, Alocasia macrorrhizos
Other common names		-
Family		Araceae
General description		These two native species are very similar in appearance. They grow to 2.5m high with large fleshy leaves and thick fleshy rootstock and stems, which can be semi-prostrate.
Flowers		The perfumed flowers consist of a greenish cream coloured spathe, which is pointed at the tip and open along one side, enclosing a central yellow spike.
Leaves		The leaves are shiny, dark green and fleshy, 30–100cm long, heart-shaped at the base and narrowed to a blunt tip.
Fruit/Berries		The fruit are red berries 8–15mm long, ovoid shaped and clustered along the spike.
Other		The sap is clear.
Symptoms		If any part of the plant is eaten or chewed, it can cause immediate pain, burning sensation and swelling of the lips, tongue and mouth. A feeling of local numbness may follow. A few deaths have been reported in children who have eaten leaves or roots. The sap can be extremely irritating to the eyes.
Toxicity category		2, 3
Warning		Seek urgent medical attention if lips or tongue become swollen or if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing.