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It is robust, easy to care for and one of the classic indoor plants: the rubber tree, which is also known under the botanical name Ficus elastica, is valued by plant lovers all over the world. However, its leaves contain a slightly toxic sap that can cause health problems. For this reason, rubber trees should be placed out of the reach of small children and pets.
toxicity
How poisonous is the rubber tree?
The leaves of the rubber tree contain a slightly toxic sap made up of the following components.
- rubber
- wax
- coumarin
- chlorogenic acid
chlorogenic acid
Chlorogenic acid, found in many green plants, can cause severe stomach pain and nausea in babies or young children if accidentally swallowed. Touching the intact rubber tree leaves, on the other hand, is completely harmless and does not cause any skin irritation. Tannic acid has been found in the bark of the rubber tree, which can also lead to stomach problems in sensitive people. Therefore, make sure that your offspring does not put the leaves or parts of the bark in their mouths.
symptoms of poisoning
toddlers
Typical symptoms of poisoning in babies and children
The thick, plump and deep green leaves of the rubber tree exert a considerable fascination on children. If the little ones tear off the foliage or bite off a piece of it, they inevitably come into contact with the milky plant sap. This is slightly toxic and, in small doses, can cause unpleasant itching, reddening of the skin and irritation of the mucous membranes. If larger amounts are swallowed, the following symptoms of poisoning often occur.
- gastrointestinal upset
- Vomit
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
In rare cases, ingestion of the poison can even cause convulsions or paralysis. The taste of the leaves is described as unpleasantly bitter. For this reason, it is very unlikely that your children will consume critical amounts of the plant's sap.
pets
The rubber tree endangers dogs, cats and rodents
Pets react more strongly to the poison of the rubber tree than humans. Not only dogs and cats, but also rodents such as rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters like to nibble on green indoor plants. Oral intake of the toxic juice can cause irritation of the mucous membranes as well as acute nausea. Vomiting and diarrhea are other unpleasant consequences for your pet. Have you noticed your four-legged roommate swallowing a small piece of leaf or tree bark? Then you should contact the vet as a precaution. However, you don't need to panic. The taste of the gum tree is so repellent that attempts to chew it are usually stopped before serious health problems arise.
prevention
Preventive measures against poisoning
Rubber trees are beautiful and undemanding houseplants that will enrich any home. Parents or pet owners don't have to do without this green ornament either. However, you should make sure that the rubber tree is placed in an inaccessible place.
Tip: Smaller specimens find enough space on cupboards, chests of drawers or raised window sills.
The easy-care rubber trees even feel completely at home in conservatories and bright basement rooms. Fallen leaves should be collected immediately so that children and animals do not come into contact with the plant parts. If you do not want to take any risks or cannot find a suitable location for the mulberry plant, you can opt for non-toxic alternatives.
These include, among other things:
- elephant foot
- coconut tree
- eucalyptus
- date palm
First aid
First aid for children and pets
The rubber tree is mildly toxic and can cause both unpleasant skin irritation and stomach upset when humans or animals come into contact with its sap. Redness and skin irritations on the hands must be washed off with clear water so that the affected areas can regenerate quickly. If small parts of the plant have been swallowed, the ingested toxins should be diluted with liquid. Give tea or water for this. If acute symptoms of poisoning such as diarrhea, vomiting or stomach pains occur, a doctor or veterinarian must be consulted immediately.
Conclusion:
- the sap of the rubber tree is slightly poisonous
The evergreen rubber tree is not only decorative but also slightly toxic. Nevertheless, parents and pet owners don't have to do without this popular houseplant if they take a few precautions. Touching the leaves is harmless as it does not cause reddening of the skin or health problems. Only the sap of the rubber tree, which is primarily found inside the thick leaves, is poisonous. If the milky juice is accidentally swallowed, it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes, stomach and intestinal problems or other acute symptoms of poisoning. Therefore, the rubber tree should always be placed out of the reach of small children and pets.
Sources:
http://www.gizbonn.de/137.0.html
https://www.botanikus.de/Botanik3/Ordnung/Ficus/ficus.html