The golden fruit palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is one of the most widespread plant species in German regions. It has air-purifying properties and feels just as comfortable outdoors as it does indoors in summer. In general, care should always be taken when choosing plants where children and pets have access. You can find out below whether this is justified due to the existing toxicity or whether they are non-toxic and you can relax accordingly.
Is the golden fruit palm poisonous?
In principle, the answer to the question is clearly no, although there are rumors in many places that it is primarily poisonous for cats. The feather palm, originally from Madagascar, by which Chrysalidocarpus lutescens is also known, poses no danger to humans, dogs or cats. At least no signs of poisoning have been reported so far. At the information center against poisoning, the popularly known betel palm is listed as "probably non-toxic".
problem with identification
Despite the fact that the Areca palm is classified as non-toxic, the all-clear cannot be given. A problem is the large number of palm species, the golden fruit palm sometimes enormous looking similar be able. If you have children, dogs and/or cats in the house, you should be absolutely sure whether it is Chrysalidocarpus lutescens before you assume non-toxicity. Otherwise, of course, you still have the choice of placing your "nameless" palm tree in a place where children, cats and dogs cannot get to the plant.
Typical identifying features are:
- Yellow infructescence
- Leaves turn light green to golden when left in the sun
- Dark spots on the trunk of the palm tree (these can decrease in old plants)
- Single split leaf shapes similar after germination (less reminiscent of the leaves already present)
- Grows significantly higher outdoors than when kept indoors
tip: If you cannot clearly identify your palm tree or are unsure, you should consult an expert. You can usually find competent help in identifying plants in any gardening store.
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, golden fruit palm
Non-toxic, but still be careful!
Even though the attractive Areca palm is not poisonous to humans and animals, it can still create unhealthy situations. Therefore, you should always pay attention to the following:
plant remains
If you have cut off shoots or leaves, the remains of the plant can be put in the mouth by children and pets. Here they can lead to choking and in the worst case even cause suffocation. The following therefore applies: Always dispose of plant residues immediately.
Heavy pots
The Chrysalidocarpus lutescens grows relatively quickly. As a rule, it is planted in a larger pot so that it is not prevented from growing. Larger specimens have a corresponding one Weight. Make sure the location offers a solid base where it cannot tip over and possibly fall onto children or pets.
cuts and stab wounds
The fronds of the gold fruit palms are relatively sharp and pointed. If you have severed fronds and they fall into the hands of children, they can incur painful cuts and puncture injuries. In the case of injuries to the eye, this can mean particularly dangerous consequences for the eyesight.
People can also injure themselves when walking past the sharp, pointed fronds. So make sure that an optimal location is selected and make sure that severed fronds do not belong in the hands of children.
Do not let animals eat you
dog and cat
The fact that the golden fruit palm is not poisonous for dogs and cats does not mean that they should nibble on it carelessly. Velvet paws in particular like the leaves. But if fronds are eaten, it doesn't do them any good. The traces of nibbling can soon be seen in the form of brown leaves. Overall, this disturbs the well-groomed image of the golden fruit palm.
birds
Be particularly careful with birds. Whether it's a budgerigar or a canary, they usually don't tolerate being nibbled on and they often die as a result. The Chrysalidocarpus lutescens is not poisonous for them either, but the plants are usually fertilized. Also pesticides and hormones could be in the parts of the plant, especially in plants that you have just bought. The small birds' immune systems would not be able to cope if the substances entered their bodies through the leaves. This also applies to pecking in the potting soil. This should always be covered with pebbles or something similar if your bird has a preference for potting soil. Basically, you should make sure that birds have no access to a golden fruit palm.