Plants and mushrooms

Dumbcane

Common name		Dumbcane
Botanical name		Dieffenbachia species, most commonly Dieffenbachia picta
Other common names		Dieffenbachia
Family		Araceae
General description		An ornamental to 2.5m, commonly grown for its decorative mottled foliage as a shade house or indoor plant.
Flowers		The flowers consist of a greenish coloured bract or sheath called a spathe, surrounding a long central spike crowded with small florets.
Leaves		The leaves are large, elliptic or oblong, 30-45cm long, fleshy with a prominent midrib, green mottled with white, cream or yellow, or sometimes entirely green.
Fruit/Berries		The fruit are rare or absent in cultivation.
Other		The sap is clear.
Symptoms		The leaves, if chewed, will cause copious salivation and an intense burning sensation, followed by a swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. This causes difficulty in breathing and swallowing, as well as making the tongue immobile rendering the person speechless. This effect can continue for several days. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation.
Toxicity category		2, 3
Warning		Seek urgent medical attention if lips or tongue become swollen or if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing.