Penciltree-Euphorbia tirucalli L.-Poisonous plant

Penciltree

General poisoning notes:

Penciltree (Euphorbia tirucalli) is an attractive indoor ornamental tree. The plant contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex which cause reactions with the skin, mucous membranes, and the eyes. Severe burning and inflammation result after the latex comes into contact with the skin. Ingestion causes burning and irritation of the mouth and stomach, accompanied by pain and perhaps diarrhea. Apparently, injudicious medicinal use of the latex of this plant has caused fatalities in East Africa (Fuller and McClintock 1986). Family pets should not be allowed to ingest the plant.

Nomenclature:

Scientific Name: Euphorbia tirucalli L.

Vernacular name(s): penciltree

Scientific family name: Euphorbiaceae

Vernacular family name: spurge

Geographic Information

Plant or plant parts used in or around the home.

Toxic parts:

Latex.

Notes on Toxic plant chemicals:

Toxic ingenol and 4-deoxyingenol are diterpenes that have been isolated from the latex of penciltree (Frohne and Pfander 1983; Frstenberger and Hecker 1986).

Toxic plant chemicals:

4-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:

penciltreeblindness, temporary

keratoconjunctivitis

Notes on poisoning:

Penciltree latex causes keratoconjunctivitis if it gets into the eyes. The symptoms include immediate burning pain of the eyeball and eyelids, tearing, and photophobia. These symptoms are followed by 8-12 h of chemosis of the lids and conjunctiva, with blurred vision and increased pain. Erosion of the corneal epithelium, decreased visual acuity, and corneal edema occur (Crowder and Sexton 1964).