A Milky Sap That Makes The Desert Rose Poisonous

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:03 pm

In the homeland of the desert rose, primitive peoples use the white sap of the plant as an arrow poison. That says it all, doesn’t it? This desert and steppe plant, adapted to extremes, knows how to defend itself against predators…

Wüstenrose Saft giftig

A highly toxic milky sap
The milky sap of the desert rose is highly toxic. Even the name of the plant family indirectly indicates its toxicity. The desert rose belongs to the dog poison family. It is related to the oleander, which is also poisonous.

A Milky Sap That Makes The Desert Rose Poisonous

Cardenolides and hongheline make desert rose as toxic as red foxglove. Consumption of both the leaves and the flowers, seeds or shoots can have nasty consequences among others:

Nausea
vomiting
Cardiac arrhythmia
Circulatory problems
cardiac paralysis
in case of skin contact: Irritation, itching, burning sensation

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  • James Jones

    Meet James Jones, a passionate gardening writer whose words bloom with the wisdom of an experienced horticulturist. With a deep-rooted love for all things green, James has dedicated his life to sharing the art and science of gardening with the world. James's words have found their way into countless publications, and his gardening insights have inspired a new generation of green thumbs. His commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship shines through in every article he crafts.

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