PlantFunFalse dayflower Toxic?
The entire plant contains calcium oxalate raphides and oxalate crystals, its core toxic components.
It has severe toxicity to birds, while exposure in dogs can cause contact dermatitis and systemic symptoms.
Grazing on related Commelinaceae species can cause fatal nitrate poisoning in cattle within 1-2 hours of ingestion.
FAQ
Is False dayflower toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data documented; calcium oxalate raphides may cause mild oral, throat or skin irritation on contact. (Low)
Is False dayflower toxic to Cats?
No confirmed toxicity data for cats available; irritant effects from oxalate raphides are possible on contact/ingestion. (Unknown)
Is False dayflower toxic to Dogs?
Plant sap contact causes cell-mediated contact dermatitis with vesico-pustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling and exudation. Systemic symptoms may include acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy. (Moderate)
Is False dayflower toxic to Horses?
No confirmed toxicity data for horses available; oxalate-related irritation is possible on exposure. (Unknown)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data documented; calcium oxalate raphides may cause mild oral, throat or skin irritation on contact.
No confirmed toxicity data for cats available; irritant effects from oxalate raphides are possible on contact/ingestion.
Plant sap contact causes cell-mediated contact dermatitis with vesico-pustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling and exudation. Systemic symptoms may include acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy.
No confirmed toxicity data for horses available; oxalate-related irritation is possible on exposure.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • For dermal exposure: Rinse affected skin/mucous membranes with large volumes of cool running water for 10-15 minutes to remove residual sap.
- • For ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water, do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical/vet professional.
- • Monitor closely for signs of swelling, breathing difficulty, or acute discomfort in the first 30 minutes post-exposure.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Vesico-pustular skin lesions, severe swelling, or exudation appear after plant contact.
- • Systemic symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, or circulatory distress develop.
- • Large amounts of plant material are suspected to be ingested by pets or livestock.
Prevention
- • Keep the plant out of reach of pets, livestock and children to avoid accidental contact or ingestion.
- • Wear protective gloves when handling any Commelinaceae family plants to avoid sap exposure.
- • Prevent grazing livestock access to pastures infested with Tinantia or related Commelinaceae species.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer symptomatic supportive care tailored to presenting symptoms, including antihistamines for dermatitis and fluid therapy for circulatory support.
- • For livestock methaemoglobinaemia cases: Give 1% methylene blue solution at 9mg/kg via slow IV injection, repeat after 30 minutes if required.
- • Administer vitamin C at 20mg/kg IV initially, followed by 30mg/kg orally 3 times daily as clinically indicated.
Professional Toxicology
• Needle-shaped calcium oxalate raphides penetrate skin and mucous membranes on contact, causing mechanical irritation and local inflammatory response.
• Cell-mediated immune response to plant sap components triggers vesico-pustular contact dermatitis in dogs.
• Systemic absorption of nitrates from related species causes methaemoglobinaemia and fatal circulatory collapse in grazing cattle.
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.