Primula-Primula obconica Hance.-Poisonous plants

Primula

Primula (Primula obconica) is an ornamental herb that may be grown indoors or outdoors. Sensitized humans develop dermatitis from exposure to the allergen contained in hairs on leaves and other plant parts. Pollen also can cause dermatitis. Some other species of the genus Primula can cause dermatitis as well (Mitchell and Rook 1979).

Nomenclature:

Scientific Name: Primula obconica Hance.

Vernacular name(s): primula

Scientific family name: Primulaceae

Vernacular family name: primrose

Geographic Information

Plant or plant parts used in or around the home.

Notes on Poisonous plant parts:

Minute glandular hairs accumulate the allergen, which is exuded in tiny drops. The hairs are most common on the leaves but are also found on other plant parts. The pollen grains can also cause dermatitis (Mitchell and Rook 1979).

Toxic parts:

Flowers, hairs, leaves.

Notes on Toxic plant chemicals:

Primin, a quinone, is the allergen in primula. This chemical is found in minute (0.05-0.3 mm long) glandular hairs. The concentrated allergen accumulates as irregular resinous drops on the hairs. Highly sensitive people may react to 20 micro gm of the allergen. The allergen content of primula is highest between April and August, when grown outdoors (Mitchell and Rook 1979).

Toxic plant chemicals:

Primin.

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:

Blistering, conjunctivitis, eczema, erythema, fever.