DAPHNE
Daphne, spurge oliveDaphne mezereum—THYMELAEACEAE
Daphne, spurge oliveDaphne mezereum—THYMELAEACEAE
Description:A low, woody plant found in many gardens. The daphne bears small rose-purple blossoms in clusters along its branches in early spring before the leaves develop. During the summer, several bright red berries appear, each with a single seed. Some horticultural varieties produce white to yellow flowers and yellow to orange berries.
Poisonous Parts:The bark, (this separates easily from the stems) leaves, and berries are poisonous. Children are especially attracted to the berries and fatalities among some who have eaten them have been reported.
Poisoning is characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth and irritation of the stomach and intestines which causes severe cramps. Toxic principles include a bitter glycoside,daphnin, and an acid resinous mixture. If not removed reasonably soon, these can produce kidney inflammation since these principles can be absorbed.
Antidote:Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for a probable irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract if parts of the plant have been in the stomach for more than an hour.