Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Tribe: Colocasieae
Genus: Alocasia
Species: A. brisbanensis
Binomial name: Alocasia brisbanensis
Common names: Aroid lily, Elephants ear. Similar to A. macrorrhizos
This plant is poisonous
Visit Phil Bendle Collection:Poisonous Plants in New Zealand
Alocasia brisbanensis is a large, robust perennial herb. It is native to rainforests of Eastern Australia.
This plant has very large, spade-shaped leaves on long, fleshy petioles. Alocasia may grow to a height of 1.5 metres. The summer flowers are a perfumed, greenish-cream colour that is similar to an arum lily. Red fruits follow the flowering.
The plant is poisonous. Touch can lead to skin and eye irritation. It ate it will cause immediate pain, burning sensation and swelling of the lips, tongue and mouth. Deaths have been reported. The poisonous agent is insoluble oxalate. As first aid rinse lengthily, administer a small amount of milk, do not induce vomiting.
In New Zealand, it is classed as a plant pest by NZ Biosecurity. This plant pest which has escaped from gardens and from garden debris. its Impact on the environment is that it shades out natural ground cover.
The underside of a leaf.
Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
