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Pedilanthus tithymaloides a broadleaf evergreen succulent come from the West Indies . It is commonly known as theDevil ’s Backbone plantor Redbird Flower .
The plant is a penis of the Euphorbiaceae family line , with G of varieties ranging from little succulents to tall trees . Poinsettias are common and familiar members of this family .
The Pedilanthus genus has flux into the Euphorbia genus . Pedilanthus tithymaloides now goes by the name “ Euphorbia tithymaloides . ”
works in the Euphorbiaceae family are full of a very toxic whitish latex sap . The sap can cause severe aggravation to the skin and eyes . In some instances , liaison with this sap can cause sloughing of the cutis and/or sightlessness . [ source ]
How Dangerous Is The Devil’s Backbone?
Its location dramatically determines the level of risk posed by this industrial plant . It puzzle little or no danger if keep as a houseplant on a mellow ledge , away from hard journey areas .
If it is growing freely along a pathway in a tropic setting where people and animals will brush against it , it could be quite hazardous .
Devil ’s Backbone is a tropic works , wintertime hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 - 11 . It is often maturate as a houseplant in most parts of the United States .
This succulent does well in sandy soil . It grow well out of doors in conducive configurations of southern Florida .
As a houseplant , Redbird Flower typically develop to be a twain of feet high . In an outside mount , it may mature to be six feet gamy and three feet wide .
In either scope , prune to help hold an attractive shape . You must take care not to come in tangency with the sap .
Protect Yourself From Devil’s Backbone Sap?
When handling thisEuphorbia plant , don eye auspices , gloves , tenacious arm , and pants . flip your clothes into the wash justly after crop or handling the plant life . Take a shower to wash by any saphead that may have gotten onto your hide .
It can take a while for symptoms to occur , so you are better off safe than sorry .
What Are The Symptoms of Toxicity?
If sap come in contact with your skin , it can make redness , kindling , blistering , and even deep chemical burns . If the sap dries or thickens , you will not be able-bodied to get it off with manifest , cool water . You will take to use Milk River or Georgia home boy and cool water to take it .
If sap comes in link with your eyes , you may experience :
If you get the sap in your eyes , contiguous first aid includes flushing the middle with clean , cool water or a saline solution result .
Be careful not to allow the liquid to endure from one center to the other . This may spread the sap over your hide and into the other centre . lean your head to allow the liquid to pour over the eye and out the outer street corner , with as little skin tangency as possible .
Even with this first economic aid , you should see a Doctor of the Church right off . convey a sample distribution of the plant with you , as this will be very helpful to the doctor .
What If a Pet or Child Swallows the Sap?
Ingestion of the sap is uncommon because the use of this sap is to repel herbivore . It has a very unpleasant taste and causes an immediate burning star in the lips , mouth , and tongue .
If a significant amount is take in , gastric distress and emesis will result . If a deary , stock , or a tiddler does take in this or any Euphorbia , look for medical help .
