Here ’s a mystifier for you : what flora is toxic , yet serves as a major nutrient source for many res publica in Asia ? The answer : Colocasia , also known as elephant capitulum or taro , with its arrow - work leaves . In many portion of the world , dasheen is a major food crop for both people and farm animals , gamey in protein . The plant is traditionally serve at Hawaiian luaus and the corms form the cornerstone for poi , a favorite Hawaiian dish .
Yet , elephant ears contain atomic number 20 oxalate crystallization , or oxalic acid , the same toxin found in pieplant and Dieffenbachia leaves . This chemical compound contains sharp crystals that can cause serious illness and even in end if consume in large amount .
So , what ’s going on here ? How can a vicious industrial plant provide intellectual nourishment for people all over the world ? First , the plant is always eat up cooked , rather than raw . Cooking it break out down the crystals , rendering them harmless . to boot , some species are more toxic than others and the character of this plant used as a food root are not of necessity the same varieties found in your yard .
take to grow elephant ear plantsandwhen to implant elephant ear bulb .
Elephant Ear Plant Safety
Although elephant ears are not as toxic as Dieffenbachia , it ’s a safe melodic theme to be measured , peculiarly if you have untried child or pets . The foliage and stem are the most toxic persona of the plant life . Even exposure as simple as touching them can get skin irritation and itchiness and blister , and if you get the plant sap in your eyes , your eye will sting and burn for several hours .
If your child or favourite ingests the leaves , the first symptom are a tingly or burning feeling in the mouth or lip and mouth irritation . Elephant ear intoxication is seldom fatal , unless large amount are eaten . Below are some of the other symptom associated with this industrial plant :
First Aid
If you mistrust your child has ingested elephant ear leaves , call your local toxicant control center or the national poison control hotline at 1 - 800 - 222 - 1222 . Do n’t coerce vomiting , but keep your child calm and pass over out his or her oral cavity with a nerveless , smashed textile . loaded the eyes with water if they ’re prick . If your child ’s rim or back talk commence to well up , call 9 - 1 - 1 or head to the nearest parking brake elbow room . If your pet eats elephant ear , contact your ex-serviceman aright by .
Growing Elephant Ears
How to grow elephant capitulum in containers
How to plant elephant ear bulbs
How to maturate elephant ear
17 types of elephant auricle to mature
Prevention
If you love elephant ear plants , but you ’ve got vernal child or pets , you might try a few strategy to foreclose accidental poisoning . First , locate the plants where they ’re out of reach . Grow the plants in the front yard , rather than the backyard , where nestling and pets are more likely to work . Teach your nestling not to impact or eat any plant in the yard . Another option would be to grow small change of elephant industrial plant in flow containers . Just be sure to take away any fall leaves right away !
Other Options
Sometimes it ’s skilful to err on the side of caution . If you ’re upset about your small fry ’s or pet ’s safety , replace elephant ears with non - toxic substitutes . Many other flora will give you the feel of the Torrid Zone , but are perfectly safe for children and pets . Below are a few to try :
Resources :
Plants and Pets Non - toxic Listingsfrom Blue Mountain Humane Society
Some Plants Are Poisonousfrom Purdue University Consumer Horticulture
