Dieffenbachia

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Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)

Dieffenbachia bowmannii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Tribe: Dieffenbachieae
Genus: Dieffenbachia
Species

See text.

Dieffenbachia (pronounced /ˌdiːfɨnˈbækiə/)[1] is a genus of tropical plants in the Family Araceae noted for their patterned leaves. Members of this genus are popular as houseplants because of their tolerance for shade. The name commemorates Ernst Dieffenbach, a German physician.

Contents

[edit] Favorable conditions for houseplants

Dieffenbachia plants can grow outdoors in tropical climates, but specimens kept as houseplants must be kept indoors during most of the year outside the tropics. Temperatures below about 5˚C (40˚F) can kill the plant. The plant needs light but filtered sunlight through a window is usually sufficient. When the plant is brought home from the nursery, it will likely need repotting. The plant needs moderately moist soil. The soil should be fertilized with either regular liquid fertilizing or fertilizer pellets or spikes. Leaves will periodically roll up and fall off to make way for new leaves. Yellowing of the leaves is generally a sign of problematic conditions, such as a nutrient deficiency in the soil. Dieffenbachia responds well to hot and dry temperatures.

Dieffenbachia flower

[edit] Selected species


[edit] Toxicity

The cells of the Dieffenbachia plant contain needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals called raphides. If a leaf is chewed, these crystals can cause a temporary burning sensation and erythema. In rare cases, edema of tissues exposed to the plant have been reported. Mastication and ingestion generally result in only mild symptoms. [2] With both children and pets, contact with dieffenbachia (typically from chewing) can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms, including oral irritation, excessive drooling, and localized swelling. [3] However, these effects are rarely life-threatening. In most cases, symptoms are mild, and can be successfully treated with analgesic agents,[4] antihistamines,[5] or medical charcoal.[6] Gastric evacuation or lavage is "seldom"[7] indicated.[8] Jennifer S. Boyle, MD, PharmD, and Christopher P Holstege, MD, note that, "In a large retrospective study of 188 patients with plant oxalate exposure, all cases were determined to be minor and all resolved with minor or no treatment." [9] They also note that, "In patients with exposure to toxic plants, 70% are children younger than 5 years."[10]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
  2. ^ Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology 29 (4): 485-91. 1991. 
  3. ^ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/dieffenbachia.html
  4. ^ "Toxicity, Plants - Caladium, Dieffenbachia, and Philodendron". emedicine. medscape.com. Updated: Dec 9, 2008. 5. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1009003-overview. Retrieved on 2009-03-17. 
  5. ^ GN Lucas - Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2008 - http://www.srilankacollegeofpaediatricians.com/pubs/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20CC%20de%20Silva%20Oration%20Plant%20poisonin.pdf
  6. ^ Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 15, No. 3, 245-249 (1996) DOI: 10.1177/096032719601500310
  7. ^ Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 15, No. 3, 245-249 (1996) DOI: 10.1177/096032719601500310
  8. ^ "Toxicity, Plants - Caladium, Dieffenbachia, and Philodendron". emedicine. medscape.com. Updated: Dec 9, 2008. 5. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1009003-overview. Retrieved on 2009-03-17. 
  9. ^ "Toxicity, Plants - Caladium, Dieffenbachia, and Philodendron". emedicine. medscape.com. Updated: Dec 9, 2008. 5. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1009003-overview. Retrieved on 2009-03-17. 
  10. ^ "Toxicity, Plants - Caladium, Dieffenbachia, and Philodendron". emedicine. medscape.com. Updated: Dec 9, 2008. 5. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1009003-overview. Retrieved on 2009-03-17. 
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