An olympian slice blossom , alstroemeria ( Alstroemeria aurantiaca ) is now gaining popularity as a garden industrial plant outside its aboriginal South American habitat . recurrent where wintertime are balmy , alstroemeria is a tuberous plant with arching , narrow green leaf . In spring and summer , its multiple stems hold cluster of yellow or orange , lily - alike blooms . cultivar in other colors are now widely available , accord to the Missouri Botanical Garden . Alstroemeria ’s one drawback is its toxicity .

Toxicity

A bailiwick by research worker Lars P. Christensen of the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences , bring out in the December 1999 " Contact Dermatitis , " revealed that cutting alstromeria releases the allergen tulipalin A from its damage surface area into the air around the flora . A small amount of tulipalin also bunk from an undamaged flower . The enquiry also showed that tulipalin A and other tuliposide allergens were present in the shank , leaves and flowers of the plants .

Effects of Tulipalin

Tulipalin may induce link dermatitis , an allergic hide reaction , in sensitive people . The Toronto Botanical Garden suggests that nausea and vomiting also result from ingesting it in large amount .

Contact Dermatitis

contact lens dermatitis after exposure different to tulipalin normally require at least a day to surface . The reaction can mill about for several weeks , notes dermatologist and King County master nurseryman Dr. Christina Merino , M.D , MPH , of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries . The rashes result from poisonous substance oak and poison ivy are contact dermatitis . People evolve sensitivity to alstroemeria ’s allergens over time . Florists and nursery or field workers who handle it on a regular base are most at risk of physical contact dermatitis .

Precautions

stave off these striking garden and veer flowers because of potential allergic reaction is n’t always necessary . take down your peril of becoming tulipalin - sensitive by wearing impermeable plastic gloves . The Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences indicated that tulipalin may be an airborne allergen , so protect yourself with a long - sleeved shirt and long pants when you wield the bulbs , plants and prime . Do n’t touch your font , rima oris and eyes while handling alstroemeria . Wash your wear and baseball glove as soon as potential after working with it .

Treatment

Wash any areas that come in tangency with alstroemeria forthwith , advises the California Poison Action Line . If you still develop a rash , call your doctor or your local toxicant dominance center .

Alstroemeria and Pets

industrial plant that cause toxic reactions in humans are likely to do the same in pets , cautions the California Poison Action Line . The ASPCA evoke that cats take in alstroemeria might experience nausea and vomiting . To be on the safe side , locate plants where they wo n’t lure your pets , and keep the weakened flower out of their reach as well .

References

…