Plants and mushrooms

Snowflake

Common name		Snowflake
Botanical name		Euphorbia leucocephala
Other common names		Snows of Kilimanjaro, Pascuita
Family		Euphorbiaceae
General description		Small shrub to 3m grown as a garden ornamental.
Flowers		The flowers are small, grouped together at the ends of branches and surrounded by white leaf-like bracts.
Leaves		The leaves are light green, lance-shaped, usually opposite or in whorls of three or more, and measuring 2.5 to 8cm in length.
Fruit/Berries		-
Other		The sap is clear, copious and an irritant.
Symptoms		This family of plants is known for their irritant sap, which can potentially cause skin blisters and rashes. If the sap or any part of the plant is ingested, symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhoea, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat.
Toxicity category		3
Warning		For all eye exposures to sap, rinse the eye with water for 15 minutes and then seek urgent medical assistance.