PlantFunHaemanthus amarylloides Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, containing multiple harmful alkaloid compounds
Ingestion causes gastrointestinal distress, cardiac irregularities, and neurological symptoms including seizures
Skin contact may trigger allergic dermatitis reactions in sensitive people and animals
FAQ
Is Haemanthus amarylloides toxic to Humans?
Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; potential allergic dermatitis on skin contact (High)
Is Haemanthus amarylloides toxic to Cats?
No species-specific symptoms documented; expected to present gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac and neurological abnormalities if ingested, consistent with related Amaryllidaceae poisoning (Unknown)
Is Haemanthus amarylloides toxic to Dogs?
Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; documented cases of contact dermatitis with erythema, papules, pustules, hair loss, and skin thickening (Unknown)
Is Haemanthus amarylloides toxic to Horses?
No species-specific symptoms documented; expected to present gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac and neurological abnormalities if ingested (Unknown)
Toxicity Details
Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; potential allergic dermatitis on skin contact
No species-specific symptoms documented; expected to present gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac and neurological abnormalities if ingested, consistent with related Amaryllidaceae poisoning
Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, cardiac arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; documented cases of contact dermatitis with erythema, papules, pustules, hair loss, and skin thickening
No species-specific symptoms documented; expected to present gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac and neurological abnormalities if ingested
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingested, induce vomiting only if explicitly directed by a medical professional or veterinarian, within 30 minutes of exposure
- • For skin contact, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cool soapy water immediately
- • Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth, skin or fur of the exposed person or animal
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Ingestion of any quantity of the plant by pets or livestock
- • Appearance of symptoms including vomiting, irregular heartbeat, tremors, or skin rashes after exposure
- • Suspected exposure in animals with pre-existing cardiac or neurological conditions
Prevention
- • Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock
- • Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid potential allergic skin reactions
- • Do not ingest any part of the plant, even in small quantities
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer decontamination measures including activated charcoal or gastric lavage under professional supervision
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care for diarrhea, pain, and dehydration
- • Administer atropine to treat bradycardia as prescribed by a doctor or veterinarian
- • Manage allergic dermatitis with topical or oral antihistamines or corticosteroids as clinically indicated
Professional Toxicology
• Toxic alkaloids irritate the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion
• Alkaloids interfere with cardiac function, causing arrhythmia, bradycardia and hypotension
• Alkaloids act on the nervous system, triggering tremors, ataxia and seizures
• Sensitization to plant compounds triggers allergic contact dermatitis reactions
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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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.