Is calla lily toxic? The latest answer is here
Is calla lily toxic?
The calla lily is toxic. Calla lilies contain large amounts of calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloids, and accidental ingestion can cause symptoms such as drowsiness and other poisoning symptoms. This species is a toxic plant recorded in the Chinese plant atlas database. Its toxicity lies in the tubers, spathe and spadix. Chewing a small piece of the tuber can cause swelling and pain of the tongue and throat. An appropriate amount of fresh calla lily tuber, mashed and applied externally, can treat burns.
The calla lily is either spotlessly white or brightly colored in red, yellow, pink and other colors. It is a valuable cut flower material and can also be grown in pots for viewing. European and American countries have a relatively long history of cut flower cultivation. Most of the colored calla lilies on China's flower markets come from the Netherlands, New Zealand and other countries, and now they are also cultivated in Yunnan, Guangxi, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other provinces and cities in China. Especially in recent years, due to the rise of fresh cut flower production, calla lily cultivation as a cut flower has gradually become popular.
Calla lily can be used medicinally and has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. To treat burns, take an appropriate amount of fresh calla lily tuber and mash it for external application. To prevent tetanus, apply mashed calla lily tuber externally at the wound. The calla lily is toxic and is forbidden for internal use. This plant is toxic throughout, and swallowing even a little will cause vomiting, but after boiling it can be fed to wild boars, and the boiled leaves can treat mild headaches, but medicinal use must all be under the guidance of a doctor.
Calla lily flower meaning: universal love, holy devotion, eternity, elegance, nobility, honor, hope, loftiness, purity, pure friendship, elegant temperament, success, flawless love. It is also the national flower of Ethiopia.
1. The white calla lily is elegant and beautiful, and its flower meaning is “loyal and unchanging, forever united in heart”.
2. Red calla lily: symbolizes holy devotion, forever united in heart, good fortune, purity, and liking.
3. Pink calla lily: symbolizes loving you for a lifetime.
4. In European and American countries it is a commonly used flower in bridal bouquets. Suitable uses and taboos for calla lily: suitable as a bride's bouquet, and small white varieties are suitable as gifts for young friends. Do not give orange-red varieties to ordinary friends of the opposite sex. Give an even number, not an odd number.
Special note: Although the calla lily is either spotlessly white or brightly colored, and most people like to grow it, because the calla lily is toxic, never ingest it by mistake. Especially families with children should stop growing calla lilies or place calla lilies out of children's reach.
Further reading: How to grow calla lilies