PlantFunAustralia Umbrella Tree Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, with oxalate crystals, oxalic acid, and falcarinol as the primary toxic agents.
Most mammals experience only mild to moderate irritation with small exposure, but birds face severe, potentially fatal toxicity.
Large ingestion can lead to kidney damage, heart arrhythmia, and neurological symptoms that require urgent medical care.
FAQ
Is Australia Umbrella Tree toxic to Humans?
Mucosal swelling, edema, blistering, and excess salivation after contact; ingestion causes difficulty swallowing, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea; large intake leads to heart arrhythmia, muscle twitches, tetany, convulsions, kidney damage, and eye injury if sap contacts eyes. (Low)
Is Australia Umbrella Tree toxic to Cats?
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral pain; kidney damage is possible with large ingestion. (Low)
Is Australia Umbrella Tree toxic to Dogs?
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral pain; kidney damage is possible with large ingestion. (Low)
Is Australia Umbrella Tree toxic to Horses?
Oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, diarrhea; rare kidney or cardiac effects with very large ingestion. (Low)
Toxicity Details
Mucosal swelling, edema, blistering, and excess salivation after contact; ingestion causes difficulty swallowing, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea; large intake leads to heart arrhythmia, muscle twitches, tetany, convulsions, kidney damage, and eye injury if sap contacts eyes.
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral pain; kidney damage is possible with large ingestion.
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and oral pain; kidney damage is possible with large ingestion.
Oral and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, diarrhea; rare kidney or cardiac effects with very large ingestion.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Rinse affected areas (mouth, skin, eyes) thoroughly with cool clean water immediately after exposure.
- • Offer small amounts of milk or water to dilute toxins if the affected individual is alert and able to swallow.
- • Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth or contact area to stop further exposure.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Severe oral swelling, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting occurs after exposure.
- • Neurological signs (twitching, convulsions, disorientation) appear post-ingestion.
- • Large quantities of plant material are ingested, especially by small pets, foals, or birds.
Prevention
- • Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and caged birds at all times.
- • Wear protective gloves when handling the plant to avoid sap contact with skin or eyes.
- • Wash hands thoroughly immediately after touching any part of the plant.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination of exposed areas and symptomatic therapy with mucosal protectants.
- • Administer analgesics for pain, and glucocorticoids for severe inflammatory swelling.
- • Provide calcium supplementation for cases of large ingestion, plus supportive care for kidney or cardiac symptoms as needed.
Professional Toxicology
• Oxalate crystals cause direct physical irritation to mucosal membranes, skin, and eyes on contact.
• Oxalic acid binds to bodily calcium leading to hypocalcemia and calcium crystal buildup in kidney tubules.
• Falcarinol contributes to inflammatory responses and toxic damage to internal organ systems.
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.