Due of its pointed spines, most people frequently choose to avoid cactus. Most cactus are not venomous, which may surprise you. Nevertheless, you might want to keep your kids and pets away from the following ones!
The most lethal cacti include the prickly pear, San Pedro cactus, Echinopsis Peruviana, Peyote, Barrel cactus, Saguaro cactus, Cholla cactus, and Euphorbia canariensis.
Are cacti in the desert toxic?
You may have heard that if you ever become stranded and dehydrated in the desert, a cactus may provide you with water. Although it seems like a good survival tip to keep on hand, is it really that simple? It transpires that a cactus is not essentially a freshwater basin covered in spines. In a dry environment full of thirsty creatures, such a plant would not survive for very long. In addition to their frightening spines, most cactus species further guard their spongy flesh with acids and powerful alkaloids since water is a very valuable resource in a desert. Most people find these substances to be too bitter to tolerate, and ingesting them puts a strain on the kidneys. Some cactus species’ meat can also result in temporary paralysis, vomiting, and diarrhea—none of which are helpful for your survival in a crisis. The prickly pear and one species of barrel cactus, the fishhook barrel, stand out as prominent outliers to this norm (Ferocactus wislizeni). While both of these plants are fairly unpleasant to consume raw, they contain fewer harmful compounds and could provide some hydration in an emergency. Better options include cactus fruits, however many are unpleasant to eat raw.
*Of course, all of this assumes that you are stranded in a desert in the New World with real cacti. Members of the Euphorbiaceae family, which resemble cactus plants, are poisonous and can be found in the deserts of Madagascar and southern Africa. If this plant’s milky sap gets in your eyes, it can permanently blind you and burn your skin and mucous membranes. Do not attempt to consume those.
Christopher Columbus claimed to have seen mermaids off the coast of what is now the Dominican Republic; however, they were manatees, and he described them as “not half as beautiful as how they were drawn.”
Is the toxic prickly pear cactus?
Over 100 native to North and South America species make up the prickly pear cacti family. They are erect or spreading cacti that can range in size from tiny, low-growing shrubs to tree-like specimens that can grow to a height of 16 feet or more. Some are raised as indoor plants. They have cladodes, which are flat paddle-shaped stem segments that stack one on top of the other. All of them have spines in the areoles, but some also have larger extra spines. The yellow, pink, or orange blossoms are colorful and stunning. The fruits are typically orange, meaty, and spiky but occasionally dry.
The pads easily establish new plants and have become invasive in various regions of the planet. It is highly salt tolerant and resistant to deer damage. Generally speaking, they require lots of sunshine and well-drained soil, particularly a cactus mix. They require lots of light and the cooler winter temperatures in order to bloom. Use in rock gardens, pots, or desert and coastal locations.
Can you get sick from cactus?
It started off very innocently. A few years ago, I was trail jogging at Orange’s El Modena Open Space when I lost my balance and threw out my arms for support. I backhanded a coastal prickly pear cactus at that point.
I noticed that my right wrist and hand appeared to have received acupuncture from a young child when I looked down: At various depths in my skin, there were six toothpick-like spines. I pulled out each spine one by one while channeling the stoicism of the ancient Spartans (or at least Gerard Butler in “300”). Although I felt like I had been stung by several bees, I believed that some ibuprofen would take care of the situation. I returned home after I had done my run to clean and bandage the punctures.
My hand and wrist began to throb to the point of being distracting during the following few days. The region bled and swelled, and even the smallest movement was painful enough that I was unable to type. I made an effort to downplay how serious the wound was, but over a week later, the pain was still present, and I also had a temperature and a hot pink rash surrounding the punctures. I eventually texted my physician. Come in right away or go to the ER, he said.
I visited his office and had an X-ray and blood test done. The finding: In addition to joint inflammation, a secondary bacterial infection had developed.
Thankfully, I was able to recover after a few weeks of being unable to perform even the most basic duties with my right arm and missing about a week of work. But I now fully understand the little-known risks associated with being stabbed by a cactus.
35 different species of cactus call California home, and the coastal prickly pear is one of the most prevalent in the Los Angeles region. According to John Trager, curator of desert collections at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, coastal prickly pears, scientifically known as Opuntia littoralis, are native to Southern California and essential to the ecology.
The long-blooming blossoms of the prickly pear, a perennial with dense clusters of oval-shaped green pads, provide pollinators with pollen and nectar. (Not to mention that the fuchsia fruits and pads are great side dishes in Mexican food.)
Even yet, Trager believes that coastal prickly pears are among the most unpleasant cacti to be jabbed by. Their spines are a two-pronged armament of microscopic, transparent glochids—little hair-like needles that are difficult to see but just as dangerous—and 11/2-inch beige needles, the traditional spikes we are used to seeing. Both varieties of spine cover the pads’ surface and are barbed and challenging to remove. Trager explained that the spines are difficult to remove because they are shaped like harpoons and have several recurved barbs. In a 2018 study, University of Illinois researchers discovered that a single spine from a related species of cactus, the cholla, could lift a half-pound chunk of pork (ouch!).
Before you swear off local trails and remove cacti from your landscape, be aware that my difficulties were uncommon. During his nearly 40-year tenure at the Huntington, Trager thinks that he has personally experienced at least one cactus puncture every month, although he has never developed a bacterial infection or needed immediate medical attention.
The condition usually resolves on its own after a few days to a few weeks at the worst, according to him. However, cactus punctures must be treated severely. According to Trager, the plant’s spines are contaminated and “collect all kinds of debris, and are dirty enough that they might infect you.” Other adverse results from cactus injuries include bacterial or fungal infections, stuck spines needing surgery, plant thorn arthritis, necrosis, and tetanus.
What to do if you get pricked by a coastal prickly pear or any other type of cactus is as follows:
What succulents are toxic?
Succulents like the Kalanchoe and Euphorbia can be poisonous to people. Even non-toxic succulents should be kept out of the reach of kids and pets as a general guideline for all house plants.
EUPHORBIA SUCCULENTS
Plants in the Euphorbiaceae family include euphorbia succulents. They are the fourth-largest genus of flowering plants and are frequently referred to as spurge plants. They are a blooming plant that is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Around 1,200 of the family’s more than 2,000 species are succulents. These succulents are renowned for their large, fleshy leaves, blooms, and cactus-like appearance.
SIDE EFFECTS FROM EUPHORBIA SAP
These plants release a milky sap that both people and animals may find harmful. Usually, a succulent’s leaves will have sap on them. It can result in a rash if it comes into contact with any exposed skin. Euphorbia sap can irritate the eyes and cause pain and redness. In order to safeguard your hands and eyes when handling Euphorbia succulents, wear gloves.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET EUPHORBIA SAP ON YOUR SKIN OR EYES
If you touch or come in contact with Euphorbia sap, wash the affected area well with lots of lukewarm water right away. Because the sap is sticky, more water and soap could be necessary. Start cleaning your eye(s) with warm water if Euphorbia sap gets in them. In the event of any plant exposure, it is crucial to contact the Poison Center for further instructions.
KALANCHOE SUCCULENTS
Usually found in adorable pots, kalanchoe succulents can be found in flower stores or garden centers. A little cluster of flowers that typically has one huge bloom atop the stalk is produced by them. Large kalanchoe succulent leaves are typically a vivid dark green. There are up to 125 different species of this kind of plant.
SIDE EFFECTS FROM INGESTING KALANCHOE SUCCULENTS
When consumed, the majority of kalanchoe plant kinds only possibly produce nausea and vomiting. Some Kalanchoe species have a naturally occurring toxin that can harm the heart. The majority of the time, this occurs in grazing cattle and in some animal experiments, although it is unlikely to harm humans.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE EATS A PIECE OF KALANCHOE SUCCULENT
If you or someone else has consumed a piece of kalanchoe succulent, rinse your mouth out with water and a soft towel. Call the Poison Center to discuss potential symptoms with a poison information professional. Call your veterinarian straight away or go to an animal poison center for help if your pet has consumed a piece of kalanchoe plant.
Are cacti all edible?
Cacti are fleshy and appear to be suitable as vegetables. It’s crucial to understand that there are edible and deadly cacti varieties before you start eating them.
All authentic cactus fruit is safe to consume. After the spines are removed, some varieties of cactus, including cholla, dragon fruit, and prickly pear, can be used as vegetables. Other cactus species, such as peyote, Bolivian, and San Pedro, are poisonous and should not be consumed.
Cacti of many types are frequently planted as indoor and outdoor ornamental plants. Check to see if the cactus variety is poisonous or suitable for people or pets to eat before choosing it for your garden.
The San Pedro Cactus
In Mexico, Central America, and South America, you can find the San Pedro Cactus, a species of wild cactus. Cocaine is made and distributed using this particular species of cactus.
Because of the presence of mescaline, which can induce hallucinations or delusions in people who consume it orally while drinking alcohol, the San Pedro cacti are poisonous.
The Peruvian Torch (Echinopsis Peruviana) Cactus
In the wild, the Peruvian Torch (Echinopsis Peruviana) Cactus is a species of cactus that may be found all across South America.
The Peruvian Torch Cacti are dangerous because they contain alkaloids that, when swallowed orally, make people feel sick and can also give them hallucinations or delusions, so once more: USE CAUTION!
The Prickly Pear
The Prickly Pear also contains spines on its pads, but they do not contain any poisons that make them more harmful than other varieties. just the stems of this plant’s latex sap are present (which will irritate your skin).
However, it does yield prickly pear fruits, which are edible and used to make jams and jellies.
Peyote Cactus (Lophophora Williamsii)
Native American rites and rituals involve the use of the Peyote Cactus, a particular variety of cactus. Because it contains the psychedelic mescaline, which can result in hallucinations or delusions when taken by humans, it is often referred to as the “meat of God.” Again, BE CAREFUL!
The Barrel Cactus
The ribs of the barrel cactus carry a poisonous secretion that can irritate the skin. In order to defend itself from predators, it too has sharp needles on its pads, although these merely contain latex-like liquid instead of the toxins discussed earlier (which will irritate your hands).
The Cholla Cactus
A cactus that shoots needles is called a cholla cactus. It contains some of the same poisons as those previously listed, but unlike barrel cacti, it does not produce any latex-like fluid; instead, just the spikes are harmful to people (and animals).
This species may be found all over North America, from Canada to Mexico, where it thrives best at elevations of 2000 to 7000 feet above sea level. Depending on where you are in this region, winter temperatures can range from 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius) to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (+38C).
The Saguaro Cactus
Despite having several sharp, pointy spines that can irritate both humans and animals, the Saguaro Cactus is not harmful.
Many residents of Arizona’s desert regions, where these cacti thrive best, have said that they are one sort that will give you shade.
What to do if a cactus is touched?
Cactus spines can be easily removed with a pair of tweezers if you manage to get one or two stuck in the flesh. But what if you end up being one of the unfortunate people who gets stuck with a hand, foot, or butt full of needles? Elmer’s Glue works well for this, just spread a thin layer of it over the surface.
Once the glue has had time to dry completely, allow it to sit for a while before peeling it off. Your skin-piercing needles will rise to the surface and be pulled out by the glue. If you get a good foot- or handful, you might need to repeat a number more times.
Using duct tape is a different choice that I haven’t personally tested but that has received excellent recommendations (should you be out of glue.) However, since you’ll have to apply pressure in order to trap the needles, this seems uncomfortable.
In either case, when you remove the spines, make sure to thoroughly cleanse the area with antibacterial soap. You don’t want the injury to contract an infection.
If portion of the needle does not stick out above the skin, you can find it more challenging. You could want to leave it in your skin for a few days if it isn’t hurting you. The needles are pushed to the top by the body, which makes them simpler to catch.
Call an ambulance if you experience a serious fall and become coated in needles, but in reality, it would be best to stay clear of the cacti altogether.