Is the trout begonia poisonous?

Begonia maculata, the Trout Begonia, enjoys great popularity because of its clearly drawn leaves. But is it really easy to keep in the apartment? Or is the beautiful trout begonia even poisonous?

Toxic or not?

The question of whether the trout begonia is poisonous can be answered with a clear yes. Although not all species of Begonia maculata are to be assessed as critical and especially mildly poisonous specimens are more likely Unpleasant and actually dangerous is the situation with the species also known as polka-dot begonia clearly. Children and old people in particular, but also every other person who has intensive contact with the plant, can be affected.

Poisonous plant parts

The danger comes from the juice of the begonia, more precisely from its ingredients. Therefore, in the end, all components of the plant through which the plant sap flows must be included in the analysis:

• Stems
• leaves
• blossoms
• root

Note: While the roots are comparatively dry and therefore not very dangerous, the heavily flowed styles and flowers are particularly critical plant components!

Contained poisons

Two substances in particular are responsible for the fact that trout begonia is poisonous:

• Oxalic acid
• Calcium oxalate

Both substances are present in numerous plants that are generally regarded as uncritical and are sometimes even eaten. For example, here is rhubarb to call. However, the safety is justified there “only” by the quantities contained. In the trout begonia, both ingredients have such a massive effect that the note "toxic" is appropriate and applicable in any case.

Possible effects

The consequences of contact with the plants are wide-ranging and usually range in the following framework:

• Redness of the skin
• Irritations of the mucous membranes
• nausea
• Vomit
• Diarrhea (less often)
• Shortness of breath
• temporary or permanent impairment of vision (with direct eye contact)

Note: Even if the sap does not show immediate effects on your hands and fingers, you should wash your hands thoroughly after each contact. From the hands, however, the substances quickly get into the mouth and eyes even after hours through unintentional contact.

Toxic to animals for which species?

In addition to humans, various animal species also suffer from the poison of the trout begonia:

• dogs
• Cats
• Small mammals, like Rabbits, Hamsters, guinea pigs
• Birds
• Livestock (for large quantities, e.g. B. after eating plants or parts of plants)

As you can easily see, the trout begonia is poisonous to most common domestic animals, so keeping pets in Community with this begonia species and other members of this species family classified as critical, taking at least some precautionary measures requirement.

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