Tulips are one of the most unexpected items in the series about poisonous plants. After all, the petals of this popular flower are even used in recipes. Unfortunately, some parts of the tulips pose a he alth risk. What parts of tulips are poisonous? What are the symptoms of tulip poisoning and how to provide first aid?
Tulip( tulipa ), a flower from the bulb genus and the lily family, has large, stately flowers of many colors. There are about 120 species of tulips and thousands of their varieties.
Tulips are such a popular plant, so often seen in vases and pots, so well liked at the same time that it is difficult to assign any bad associations to them.
What's more, people more familiar with the culinary art will mention recipes in which tulip petals are a tasty addition to desserts or salads. So why do we put them on the list of poisonous plants?
Tulips contain alkaloids and glycosidic compounds that are toxic and can be dangerous to our he alth and even life. Only tulip petals are free of poisonous compounds, their consumption (except in cases of allergic reactions) is not a threat.
Tulips: toxic bulbs
Probably none of us, seeing tulip flowers placed in a vase on the table, does not think about whether they are fit for consumption. However, there were times when this was an important question.
In the Netherlands, during World War II, people were starving, so they started trying to eat tulip bulbs that were bred for trade.
Presumably a tulip bulb visually associated with ordinary onions prompted the idea of trying to use it as food. However, the idea turned out not only to be wrong, but also dangerous to the he alth of those who tried.
It just so happens that all parts of this plant, except the petals, are inedible.
Toxic alkaloids and glycosidic compounds are concentrated mainly in the bulbs. Eating them may trigger:
- dizziness
- nausea
- stomach pains
- seizures sometimes
- in extreme cases even death
In the book by David Spoerke and Susan Smolinske en titled "toxicity of potted plants" we can read the description according to which people who ate a cooked dish containingtulip bulbs, had difficulty breathing, sweating, had vomiting and drooling within 10 minutes of eating a dish.
Tulips and allergic toxins
Scientists studying poisonous plants suspect that the presence of toxic compounds in tulip bulbs and stems is their form of defense against herbivores. By the way, however, also in front of people who are equally sensitive to their toxic effects.
Regardless of the genesis of the appearance of these dangerous substances, it is worth being careful when dealing with this plant.
Tulip is the most popular ornamental plant in the world, we come into contact with it in many situations and places, we often have it in our own gardens, so remember to always wear protective gloves when caring for plants.
The point is that it is not only the consumption of tulip bulbs that can be harmful to humans.
This plant is also allergic, so skin allergies are often observed after contact with its bulbs or stems.
The allergens in tulips can cause a skin rash in some people, which is often seen in tulip cultivators.
The reaction to allergens may also be tingling in the tips of the fingers, and even increased nail brittleness.
Sensitive people may also show allergic symptoms in the nasal passages, eye irritation, conjunctivitis and eyelid edema.
Tulips dangerous for pets
Many cats gnaw plants in their homes or gardens. This is a dangerous habit that can result in a pet suffering from severe food poisoning.
Tulips are harmful to cats and dogs, but they bite flowers less often and dig up the bulbs for fun.
Symptoms of poisoning with toxic substances may appear late, not immediately after the animal has eaten the plant. This is vomiting and / or diarrhea.
Often a symptom of tulip poisoning are problems in the work of the nervous system and the liver, which is especially dangerous for the pet's life.
Therefore, if you suspect that your cat or dog may have eaten parts of poisonous plants, take them to the vet.
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