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Caladium

Definition

This article describes poisoning caused by consumption of plant material from the Caladium plant.

Alternative Names

Alocasia; Angel wings; Colocasia; Heart of Jesus; Texas Wonder

Poisonous Ingredient

• Oxalic acid
• Asparagine
• A protein found in this plant

Note: Leaves and stems are the most dangerous if eaten in quantity.

Where Found

• Caladium esculentum
• Caladium bicolor

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  • Burning in mouth
  • Swelling of tongue
  • Swelling of mouth
• Eyes, ears, toes, and throat
  • Burning in throat
  • Redness, swelling, pain, and burning of the eyes
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Home Care

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth, and give milk to drink. Call Poison Control for more treatment information.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the plant and the parts eaten
• The amount swallowed
• The time it was swallowed

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room for identification.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The symptoms will be treated.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Oxalate plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway, but this is very rare.

Review Date: 2/13/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.