PlantFunHardy kiwifruit Toxic?
Only fully ripe hardy kiwifruit are safe for consumption; all other plant parts are toxic
The plant is extremely toxic to birds, while risk for humans and other mammals is low unless large quantities are ingested
Exposure to plant sap can cause eye injuries, and large ingested doses may lead to kidney damage and heart rhythm abnormalities
FAQ
Is Hardy kiwifruit toxic to Humans?
After contact: Mucous membrane swelling, edema, blisters, excessive salivation. After ingestion: Difficulty swallowing, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. After large dose intake: Heart arrhythmia, muscle spasms, tetany, convulsions, polyuria followed by anuria from kidney damage, eye lesions (pain, redness, vision changes) if sap contacts eyes (Low)
Is Hardy kiwifruit toxic to Cats?
No species-specific symptom data available; expected symptoms of large ingestion include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort (Unknown)
Is Hardy kiwifruit toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific symptom data available; expected symptoms of large ingestion include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort (Unknown)
Is Hardy kiwifruit toxic to Horses?
No species-specific symptom data available; expected symptoms of large ingestion include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort (Unknown)
Toxicity Details
After contact: Mucous membrane swelling, edema, blisters, excessive salivation. After ingestion: Difficulty swallowing, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. After large dose intake: Heart arrhythmia, muscle spasms, tetany, convulsions, polyuria followed by anuria from kidney damage, eye lesions (pain, redness, vision changes) if sap contacts eyes
No species-specific symptom data available; expected symptoms of large ingestion include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort
No species-specific symptom data available; expected symptoms of large ingestion include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort
No species-specific symptom data available; expected symptoms of large ingestion include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse affected areas thoroughly with cool running water for 10-15 minutes if skin/mucous membrane contact occurs
- • Flush eyes with clean lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes (keep eyelids open) if exposed to plant sap
- • Rinse mouth thoroughly and offer small sips of water if small amounts of toxic plant material are ingested
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a medical or veterinary professional
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Ingestion of large quantities of toxic plant parts
- • Presence of severe symptoms: difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, reduced or no urine output, severe eye pain/vision changes
- • Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain lasting more than 2 hours
- • Exposure in birds, as this species is extremely susceptible to poisoning from this plant
Prevention
- • Only consume fully ripe hardy kiwifruit, discard all unripe fruit and non-fruit plant parts
- • Keep the plant out of reach of children, pet birds, and other companion animals
- • Wear protective gloves when handling non-fruit parts of the plant to avoid irritation
- • Wash hands thoroughly after touching any part of the plant except fully ripe fruit
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer decontamination and symptomatic supportive care appropriate for the exposure route
- • Provide mucosal protectants, analgesics, and glucocorticoids for severe swelling as directed by a healthcare provider
- • Administer calcium supplementation if very large quantities of the plant were ingested
- • Provide targeted supportive care for kidney injury, cardiac arrhythmia, or seizures if these complications develop
Professional Toxicology
• Oxalate raphides cause physical irritation to mucous membranes, skin, and eyes on direct contact
• High doses of oxalates form crystals in renal tubules, leading to acute tubular necrosis and kidney failure
• Excess serotonin from ingestion of very large quantities of plant material disrupts cardiac and neurological function
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
Download PlantFun App
Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!
Instant Plant ID
Take a photo to quickly identify plants.
Smart Care Reminders
Generate watering and care schedules.
Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis
Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.
Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.