A Cautionary Tale

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by raebhoop, Jul 23, 2011.

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  1. Lorna

    Lorna Gardener

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    I sometimes think we get a bit paranoid about plants. Lots of us grow spurge in its cultivated forms, millions grow delphiniums, ditto rhubarb, and all these (and many more - see thread as Ziggy suggests) can be harmful, as can many more garden plants. Wear gloves, as Shiney suggests (though a spear thistle can go right through the toughest of gloves) and wash your hands after gardening. If you pulled out every garden plant that had harmful effects you might not be left with much!
    Having said that, it must have been quite a frightening experience, Raebhoop, and one I'm sorry you had.
     
    Lorna, Jul 24, 2011
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  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :what: Gosh RH that was a frightener then.. Some of us react more than others to the latex (the milky sap) that comes from these plants than others, but anyone rubbing the latex in the eyes is in for a very painful experience as you found out... That's our common Sun Spurge Euphorbia- helioscopia, just because it is common in the garden doesn't mean it is harmless it is described thus....
    [quoteE. helioscopia
    Latex is highly irritant and toxic. Severe ulceration of the skin has been reported. ][/quote]
    Thank goodness your chappie was around..!! I do have to say though........
    ALL,, Euphorbia/spurge latex is an irritant..!!
    If your have a skin reaction wash with milk & that should neutralize it, water if no milk... You do the same with they eye too & if the pain continues & the sight goes then seek medical help immediately    .. Either 999 or get someone to take you to A&E....
    I have allot of Euphorbias in my garden & the cacti looking types mainly cooperi in my greenhouse & I am very very careful with them, but have not had a problem with the little garden one... You are not alone though by any means RH, so I think they have a specific type of eye drops for it at the hospital as it is more common than we might think.. :what: still frightening though..!!
     
    Marley Farley, Jul 24, 2011
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  3. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    I've just done a little scientific experiment. I put a dot of the sap on my finger and left it for about 15 minutes. No reaction at all thankfully. Maybe mine isn't that potent. It's still been introduced to my mate Roundup though.
     
    clueless1, Jul 24, 2011
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  4. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    Your finger is not a good place for you to make the experiment. The skin there is much more hardy. You should have tried the inside of the elbow - or somewhere much more tender :heehee:
     
    shiney, Jul 25, 2011
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  5. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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    I was testing it on a tough bit first, and now its had time to react and has't I'll try a bit somewhere else.

    But not there:help:
     
    clueless1, Jul 25, 2011
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  6. daitheplant

    daitheplant Total Gardener

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    Try it on the back of your hand.lol:thumbsup:
     
    daitheplant, Jul 25, 2011
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  7. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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    Like the inside of your forearm.
     
    Scrungee, Jul 25, 2011
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  8. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

    Didn't think of that! :heehee:
     
    shiney, Jul 26, 2011
    #23 Quote in Conversation
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