Polyscias balfouriana
Araliaceae
Balfour Aralia; Dinner Plate Aralia; Aralia Balfouriana Stump; Polyscias balfouriana; Polyscias scutellaria; Shield Aralia; Plum Aralia
Saponins (polysciosides A to H), triterpenic glycosides, the polyacetylene terpenoid, falcarinol; other unidentified irritating agents
Potent irritant; the cell sap has shown the ability to create redness, itching and/or blisters when it comes in contact with living tissue. Symptoms of ingestion include an immediate burning sensation in throat and mouth; possibly followed by redness, blisters, rash and obvious visible irritation of oral mucosa; excessive drooling, obvious pain or discomfort of the mouth, pawing at the mouth, hoarse or weak sounding vocalization; excessive desire to drink; gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, potentially serious swelling of the face, mouth and throat is possible.
Polyscias balfouriana, also known as Balfour Aralia, is an evergreen species of shrub native to the tropical areas of Africa, Asia, and Australia; parts of North and Central America; and the entirety of South America. It is frequently called "Dinner Plate Aralia" due to its round, leathery, and often variegated leaves. It is also occasionally sold as an "Aralia Balfouriana Stump," as it is often cultivated with a thickened, woody base that gives it a miniature, tree-like sculptural appearance. Aralia can grow to heights of 24 feet, forming a dense wall of foliage. For this reason, the plant has found fairly widespread use in ornamental landscaping and can often be found positioned so as to create a natural privacy fence. The leaves are long and 1-pinnate with leaflets oppositely arranged. The blades are variable, but most often ovate or elliptic and coarsely dentate or lacerate. The leaves will typically have a white or cream-colored variegation, but may also be entirely dark green. In summer, it produces inconspicuous flowers.
The plant should be considered toxic in its entirety, as the roots, stems, sap, and foliage contain saponins, triterpenic glycosides, and other irritating agents like the polyacetylene terpenoid falcarinol. These compounds can cause mild to severe skin and oral irritation; for instance, chewing on the leaves or stems may lead to swelling inside the mouth and throat with. It is also not uncommon for rashes to appear around the hairless portions of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and nose. In sensitized individuals, this reaction can become quite severe, potentially restricting the ability to eat, drink, or even breathe. Because ingestion by pets often results in gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and vomiting, it is widely recommended to keep the plant well out of reach of both curious pets and young children.
Immediate Response to Ingestion
- Remove and Flush: If the ingestion was recent, remove any remaining plant matter from the pet's mouth and flush the area thoroughly with water.
- Inducing Vomiting in Dogs Only: In many cases, a dog may vomit spontaneously after chewing or swallowing irritating plant material. If the exposure is recent and the dog is alert, breathing normally, and not showing weakness, collapse, tremors, severe oral swelling, or breathing difficulty, a veterinarian or animal poison-control professional may recommend inducing vomiting with fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide. This should not be done in cats, and it should not be attempted in any animal unless vomiting is appropriate for the exposure and the animal is stable enough to vomit safely.
- Neutralizing Toxins: Activated medical charcoal may absorb toxins. If a large quantity was ingested, consult a veterinarian regarding gastric lavage.
- Veterinary Care: Contact a veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control, or Pet Poison Helpline promptly if the pet is a cat, if a large amount was ingested, if symptoms are present, or if there is any swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat.
Symptomatic Care & Treatment
- Hydration: Ensure the pet receives plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
- Gastrointestinal Protection:
- Kapectolin: To alleviate upset and diarrhea, give 1 to 2 ml/kg four times daily to protect the stomach lining.
- Sucralfate: Forms a protective barrier for irritation.
- Dogs > 60 lbs: 1g every 6 to 8 hours.
- Dogs < 60 lbs: 0.5g every 6 to 8 hours.
- Cats: 0.25g every 8 to 12 hours.
Prognosis and Risks
- General Outlook: Serious intoxications are rare. Most symptoms are limited to mild gastrointestinal upset; animals typically recover in a few hours to a few days.
- Primary Concerns: Life-threatening intoxication and fatalities are nearly unheard of. The most serious threat is the potential for an extreme allergic reaction to the plant’s toxins.