Money tree is a shade-loving and low-maintenance plant with an upright growth habit that doesn’t take up much space. Its vibrant green foliage is aesthetically pleasing, making it a popular choice for indoor decoration and air purification.
Money Tree
However, it’s important to be aware of the dangers posed by this plant. Studies have shown that the stems and leaves of the money tree contain high levels of calcium oxalate, a substance that can irritate sensitive skin and mucous membranes in the throat, tongue, lips, and eyes. Accidental ingestion or contact with the plant’s sap can lead to tongue pain, vomiting, digestive discomfort, breathing difficulties, seizures, and even coma.
Money Tree: A Beautiful but Potentially Dangerous Plant
Scientists from the University of Bergen in Norway conducted an experiment to demonstrate the toxicity of money tree sap. They extracted calcium oxalate from the plant and injected it into a shrimp at a concentration of just 1 mg/ml, which proved fatal for the shrimp.
The toxic sap of the money tree can affect both adults and children, but it is especially dangerous for kids with sensitive skin. In one incident, a child accidentally chewed on a money tree leaf, leading to throat pain, crying, and eventual hospitalization. The child exhibited whole-body tremors and subconjunctival hemorrhage, and was diagnosed with money tree poisoning.
A Parent’s Warning About Money Tree Poisoning
Precautions when keeping indoor plants to ensure your family’s health and safety:
The money tree is not the only decorative plant that can cause harm; others include the Chinese evergreen, string of pearls, peace lily, anthurium, and snake plant. These plants produce toxic sap that can be dangerous, especially to children who tend to be more curious and playful.
If you have young children, it’s advisable to place these plants out of their reach. Accidental ingestion of plant sap by children can have severe consequences for their health and, in some cases, even prove fatal. Adults should also exercise caution when pruning these plants, wearing protective gloves to avoid direct contact with the sap.
