Rhoeo spathacea

Common Name(s):

Moses-in-the-cradle, Oyster plant

Category:

Poisonous Plants

Description:

Herb commonly grown as a houseplant with succulent stems; leaves crowded, flat, stiff, pointed, dark green above, purple to green below; flowers at base of leaves, small, white, 3-parted, held between 2 purple bracts; fruit a capsule.

Family:

Commelinaceae

Origin:

Tropical America

Poison Part:

Plant sap from all parts

Poison Delivery Mode:

Dermatitis, ingestion

Symptoms:

Stinging and itching following contact of cell sap with skin or eyes; ingestion causes irritation of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, also abdominal pain

Toxic Principle:

Unidentified

Severity:

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. CAUSES SEVERE PAIN IN THE MOUTH IF EATEN! SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW

Found in:

Houseplant or interiorscape

Tags:

houseplant, interiorscape, house plant

NCCES plant id: 1146