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What appears to be the flower on a poinsettia is actually colorful leaves. The true flower is just starting to bud out as these tiny yellow lips. Much misinformation has been spread regarding the toxicity of poinsettias. To set the matter straight:
“As many have pointed out, it is a myth that poinsettia plants are deadly poisonous if a child or pet eats the leaves (but that does not mean that the leaves should intentionally be eaten, either, since, if eaten in sufficient quantity, they can, in fact, make a human or pet at least mildly sick). But because this fact is so widely known now, people have let down their guard and allowed a new myth to take hold, as a reaction: namely, the myth that no health issues whatsoever surround the annual displaying of poinsettia plants. Only two words need be uttered to dispel the new myth: latex allergy.
The fact is, this Christmas icon can make some people quite sick. The harm, in these cases, comes not from eating the leaves, but rather from touching the plant or even simply from being around Euphorbia pulcherrima.
The milky sap (the “latex,” if you will) that oozes from the branches can result in contact
dermatitis in some people. So unless you like to itch, avoid the sap, in case you are one of those prone to develop this rash. At the very least, be sure not to touch your eyes after touching the sap. The illnesses that some people suffer just from being around poinsettia plants (without even touching them) are worse yet (for example, difficulty in breathing). In extreme cases, anaphylaxis can result.”
Some readers with latex allergy have shared their personal stories about health problems stemming from contact with these colorful plants. You might be surprised to learn just how many people get sick due to exposure to poinsettias.” (from 5 Facts About Poinsettias That May Surprise You” by David Beaulieu.
For Cee’s FOTD.
