Oleander caution

captainjohn


Joined: 08/06/2008
Posts: 201

Message Posted:
24/08/2008 15:19

Having planted oleander in our garden 12 months ago, i decided to find out more information about this popular shrub, i put oleander into seach engine on the internet, which gave several results, and was soon to be alarmed by what I was reading,



Did you know that the plant contains poison equal to styrchnine alive/dead and that if you burn it the smoke becomes toxic too,



I removed ours that day, as our 14 month old grand daughter was due to visit from the Uk .



we planted ours around the swimming pool to make a privacey screen.



cpt John







Cpt John

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
24/08/2008 16:05

Quite right Captain John



Its well known in Australia how Poison's it is. I remember my mother telling me how one on the cows on the farm she was on ate some and died very quickly. Given the body mass of a cow its effects are even quicker on people especially children.



You were right to get rid of it.



Aussie

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
24/08/2008 16:24

Lantana is also poisonous.



All parts of the plant are very toxic, but be especially aware of the Berries, which look just like Blackberries / Brambles, if you have children around, in case they are tempted to sample them.



Keith.

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
24/08/2008 22:14

Lantana is also a prolific weed some varieties progate endlessly chocking out everything else. Its extremely hard to kill totally without it recovering or springing up from seeds and has probably done more than any other plant to destroy local ecosystems in Australia in a similar climate to here. I hate the very sight of it.



Aussie

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
25/08/2008 00:03

What does the plant look like? i have looked on Google and can't find any pics. of it.

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
25/08/2008 01:06

Per Wiikipedea theer oisa photo and below is some of the descrition of its poisonous properties



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleander



Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants and contains numerous toxic compounds, many of which can be deadly to people, especially young children. The toxicity of Oleander is considered extremely high and it has been reported that in some cases only a small amount had lethal or near lethal effects (Goetz 1998). The most significant of these toxins are oleandrin and neriine, which are cardiac glycosides (Goetz 1998). They are present in all parts of the plant, but are most concentrated in the sap, which can block out receptors in the skin causing numbness. It is thought that Oleander may contain many other unknown or un-researched compounds that may have dangerous effects (Inchem 2005). Oleander bark contains rosagenin which is known for its strychnine-like effects. The entire plant, including the milky white sap, is toxic, and any part can cause an adverse reaction. Oleander is also known to hold its toxicity even after drying. It is thought that a handful or 10-20 leaves consumed by an adult can cause an adverse reaction, and a single leaf could be lethal to an infant or child. According to the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS) in 2002 there were 847 known human poisonings in the United States related to Oleander (Watson 2003). There are innumerable reported suicidal cases of consuming mashed oleander seeds in southern India. In animals, around 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight is lethal to many animals, and various other doses will affect other animals (Inchem 2005). Most animals can suffer a reaction or death from this plant.



[edit] Effects of poisoning

Oleandrin, one of the toxins present in Oleander

Oleandrin, one of the toxins present in Oleander



Reactions to this plant are as follows. Ingestion can cause both gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. The gastrointestinal effects can consist of nausea and vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea that may or may not contain blood, and especially in horses, colic (Inchem 2005). Cardiac reactions consist of irregular heart rate, sometimes characterized by a racing heart at first that then slows to below normal further along in the reaction. The heart may also beat erratically with no sign of a specific rhythm. Extremities may become pale and cold due to poor or irregular circulation (Goetz 1998). Reactions to poisonings from this plant can also affect the central nervous system. These symptoms can include drowsiness, tremors or shaking of the muscles, seizures, collapse, and even coma that can lead to death (Goetz 1998). Oleander sap can cause skin irritations, severe eye inflammation and irritation, and allergy reactions characterized by dermatitis (Goetz 1998).



[edit] Medical treatment required



Poisoning and reactions to Oleander plants are evident quickly, requiring immediate medical care in suspected or known poisonings of both humans and animals (Goetz 1998). Induced vomiting and gastric lavage are protective measures to reduce absorption of the toxic compounds. Charcoal may also be administered to help absorb any remaining toxins (Inchem 2005). Further medical attention may be required and will depend on the severity of the poisoning and symptoms.



Drying of plant materials does not eliminate the toxins. It is also hazardous for animals such as sheep, horses, cattle, and other grazing animals, with as little as 100 g being enough to kill an adult horse (Knight 1999). Plant clippings are especially dangerous to horses, as they are sweet. Symptoms of a poisoned horse include severe diarrhea and abnormal heartbeat. There are a wide range of toxins and secondary compounds within Oleander, and care should be taken around this plant due to its toxic nature. Different names for Oleander are used around

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
25/08/2008 01:09

For lantana the link is



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantana



described as mildly toxic



"Lantana berries are edible when ripe[1] though like many fruit are mildly poisonous if eaten while still green."

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
25/08/2008 08:43

And to think John we have about 150 Oleanders as our Hedge in our grounds although they are away from pool area and people, but what about trimming and getting rid of dead flowers what does this cause then, I dread to think.

Smithy

Krin52


Joined: 25/08/2008
Posts: 419

Message Posted:
25/08/2008 10:58

Thanks Aussie, for all the good info!

Must mention too that you shouldn't even burn oleander trimmings, the smoke is also poisonous.

Lantana is considered a noxious weed in parts of Australia and is banned by many councils!