An Overview Of The Dumb Cane Plant

Plants are the primary oxygen provider for human so it’s very important for us to take care of them. In an eco-system, they are the primary producers of the foods that we eat or remedies for our illnesses. Dumb cane is a tropical member of Araceae family. Dumb cane is known for its toxicity. It's named the 'Dumb Cane' plant because any sap from the plant that gets into a human mouth will make the tongue swell, and cause speechlessness in adults and sometimes even kill children and animals. Dumb cane has a bad reputation as a houseplant. It is native in Caribbean Islands; including Puerto Rico. This kind of plant have 30 species. Dumb cane is a famous house plant due to its very easy growing nature. Dieffenbachia is a strong species that can survive in any other source of light other than sunlight. Even though this plant doesn’t need much sunlight but it is necessary to water it properly just like the other plants in your garden. Dumb cane is a plant that needs attention. Dumb cane needs its soil damp at all times, but not too much. This plant is a common target of bacteria. However, this plant is so poisonous and should not be placed near children and your pets.

The cells of a Dieffenbachia plant have a calcium oxalate crystals called raphides a compound derived from oxalic acid which is very harmful to human body. Raphides are believed to be a defense mechanism against browsing by animals. Even a small dose of oxalate toxin is enough to cause intense sensations of burning in the mouth and throat, swelling, and choking. The oxalic acid had been recently reported to poison two Filipinos by being mixed with the sugar which was added to a milk tea. One of the victims was a lady who died and a guy was brought to the hospital alive but tha man eventually died because of the dosage of the acid that he taken. It is said that the toxic plants are good for pesticide and insecticide. For that, the more toxic the plant is, the more its fit for pesticides and insecticide. The greatest concentration of the toxin from the plant is located in the leaves. Its sap is dangerous especially when ingested, your vocal chords can be numb and can make a victim mute for 2 weeks or until the poison wears off. It could possibly kill your children, it will commit murder most foul and its even been known to burn down houses.

This approximately 1.2 m tall plant produces about ten large, leathery, oval leaves, borne on a long stalk. This plant can be a decoration inside your house because of its wonderful blending of colors. The tissues of this plant give off a strong, unpleasant odor when cut or crushed. Dieffenbachia can grow up to 6 feet tall and known for its big leaves. Because it grows upright, it's an excellent choice to grow along an empty wall or near a large piece of furniture. Its sap is also irritating to skin and any time you’ll have contact with it, you must wash it thoroughly. If you or a child eats or comes in contact with any part of a plant containing oxalate, wipe out the plant residue from the mouth. The dumbcane plant has an ingredient that can help treating cancer. It is found to be useful in controlling the spread of cancer cell. The name Dieffenbachia was given to the genus by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott the director of the Botanical Gardens in Vienna to honor the head gardener Joseph Dieffenbach. Have them drink a cool beverage or eat a snack like a popsicle, applesauce or yogurt but the best option is to bring the victim to the nearest hospital.

11 February 2020
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