El Yunque National Forest

Poisonous Plants, Shrubs and Trees Found on the El Yunque National Forest

Photo © perso.wanadoo.fr

Giant Philodendron, Elephant Ear Philodendron (Eng.), Yautía Cimarrona (Sp.), Philodendron giganteum (Bot.), Native. Tropical South America and the West Indies.

Description:

The Philodendron species can be found in diverse habitats in tropical America and the West Indies. Most occur in humid tropical forests, but also in swamps, on river banks, roadsides and rock outcroppings. They are shrubs and small trees, most of which are capable of climbing the trunks of other trees with the aid of aerial roots. The Giant Philodendron (P. giganteum) has large lobed, deeply cut and feather-like (pinnate) leaves that are borne alternately on the stem. The flowers are at the end of the stem, or in the upper axis of the leaf and the stem (axil). All the parts of the plant are poisonous, due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.

Poisonous characteristics:

All parts of this plant contain Calcium Oxalate crystals; DO NOT EAT ANY PART OF THIS PLANT. Eating of any parts of this plant can cause BURNING AND SWELLING OF THE LIPS, MOUTH, TONGUE AND THROAT AND DIFFICULTY IN SPEECH, ALSO SEVERE STOMACH PAIN IF SWALLOWED.

When observing this plant:

Avoid eating any part of this plant. If accidentally eaten, induce vomiting and seek prompt medical assistance.

Where is this plant found in the El Yunque NF?

There is a single ornamental planting located at the Palo Colorado visitor center, next to the west side of the main building in the El Yunque National Forest’s Recreational Area.

Additional information:

• Tropical Vegetation Specialist
  USDA Forest Service
  El Yunque National Forest
  HC-01, Box 13490
  Rio Grande, PR 00745-9625
  787 888 1810
• Núñez-Meléndez, E., 1990, Plantas Venenosas de Puerto Rico y las que producen dermatitis, Ed. Universidad de Puerto Rico

(Data compiled by Alan Mowbray, El Yunque NF; please send any suggestions/comments to: amowbray@fs.fed.us)

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USDA Forest Service - El Yunque National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16 December 2008 at 14:14:05 EST