Content
- The dwarf medlar - a poison cocktail in the garden?
- Toxic - yes or no?
- Which parts of plants contain toxic substances?
- Tips & Tricks
The dwarf medlar - a poison cocktail in the garden?
The dwarf medlar is a popular ground cover that is often planted in rockeries, on slopes, embankments and roads. Their bright red fruits attract berry lovers. But beware: this plant is literally full of it!
Toxic - yes or no?
The cotoneaster is - regardless of whether as bonsai or ground cover - poisonous. It is considered to be slightly toxic. The reason for this is among others their content of hydrocyanic acid, which is highest in their fruits. Depending on the body weight, it comes from a quantity of between 10 and 20 fruits to poisoning symptoms.
The hydrocyanic acid causes a weak poisoning. It affects the cellular respiration and causes an internal suffocation. Symptoms can be the following:
Which parts of plants contain toxic substances?
The poisonous substances in the cotoneaster include prunasin and amygdalin (a glycyanic acid). All plant parts, both leaves and bark, as well as flowers and fruits contain one or both of these substances and can have a poisoning effect on the body.
The fruits have the highest poison content. Also, the contained seeds that can be used for breeding are poisonous. Besides, you are therefore very careful when dealing with this plant!
Tips & Tricks
As a precaution the dwarf medlar should not find a place in the garden when smaller children live in the household and like to play in the garden. Especially the red and berry-like fruits quickly tempt you to snack on them. In case of emergency: To bind the poisons, give 1 g of medical charcoal per kg of body weight.