African Milk Tree Poison: Is It Toxic to Humans & Pets?

The African Milk Tree, known botanically as Euphorbia trigona, is a popular houseplant due to its striking, cactus-like appearance and vertical growth. While celebrated for its beauty and easy care, many owners are unaware of its toxic properties. The plant is poisonous to both humans and pets, and understanding its specific risks is part of responsible ownership. This article will detail the nature of its toxicity and explain how to handle it safely.

Identifying the Toxic Component

The toxicity of the African Milk Tree stems from a substance produced by all plants in the Euphorbia genus. When any part of the plant is broken or cut, it exudes a milky white sap, which is a latex. This sticky fluid gives the plant its common name and is its primary defense mechanism.

The latex contains a complex mixture of chemical compounds, with the primary culprits responsible for its irritating effects being diterpene esters. These organic compounds are the source of the adverse reactions experienced upon contact.

Effects of Exposure on Humans and Pets

Contact with the African Milk Tree’s sap can lead to reactions affecting the skin, eyes, and digestive system. The severity depends on the type and duration of the exposure. Handling the plant without protection can easily lead to accidental contact.

Direct skin contact is the most common exposure and results in immediate irritation. Symptoms include redness, a burning sensation, itching, and the development of a rash or blisters. These symptoms can worsen over the first 12 hours as a form of contact dermatitis.

Eye contact is more serious, causing intense pain, inflammation, and conjunctivitis. In severe cases, it may result in temporary blindness. Ingestion is less common but can lead to nausea, vomiting, and irritation of the throat.

The sap is also toxic to cats and dogs. If a pet chews on the plant, they may experience irritation around the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting.

First Aid and Emergency Response

If exposure to the sap occurs, prompt action can minimize the reaction. For skin contact, immediately wash the affected area with soap and cool water. Because the sap is sticky, thorough washing is necessary to remove all residue.

If the sap gets into the eyes, flush them with cool water for at least 15 to 20 minutes and seek medical attention. For skin irritation, antihistamines may provide some relief, but professional medical advice is recommended.

For ingestion, do not induce vomiting; instead, contact a poison control center immediately for instructions. The national Poison Control hotline is 1-800-222-1222 and is available 24/7.

If a pet is believed to have ingested the sap or is showing symptoms of poisoning, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline without delay.

Safe Handling and Placement

To avoid exposure to its toxic sap, adopt preventative measures. Always wear waterproof gloves, long sleeves, and protective eyewear to create a barrier between your skin and the plant’s latex, especially during pruning or repotting.

After working with the plant, use soap and water to thoroughly clean the sticky sap from your tools. When pruning, it can be helpful to spray the cut area on the plant with water to slow the flow of the sap.

The placement of the plant is a significant safety consideration. Position the African Milk Tree in a location out of reach of children and pets. A high shelf or a separate, inaccessible room is an ideal spot to prevent accidental contact.