Croton-Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume-Poisonous plant

Croton

General poisoning notes:

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a common houseplant. Chewing the bark and roots is said to cause burning of the mouth. Some young leaves are used in the East Indies as a vegetable, but cases of irritation have been reported. The latex has caused eczema in some gardeners (Morton 1962, Frohne and Pfander 1983).

Nomenclature:

Scientific Name: Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume

Vernacular name(s): croton

Scientific family name: Euphorbiaceae

Vernacular family name: spurge

Geographic Information

Plant or plant parts used in or around the home.

Toxic parts:

Bark, latex, leaves, roots

Toxic plant chemicals:

5-deoxyingenol

Animals/Human Poisoning:

Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.

Humans

General symptoms of poisoning:

Eczema, mouth, irritation of

Notes on poisoning:

Ingesting the bark or roots has caused burning and irritation of the mouth parts. Occasional eczema has been reported after repeated exposure to the latex (Morton 1962, Frohne and Pfander 1983).