The most common allergy is mango dermatitis.
An itchy red rash, sneezing uncontrollably, weeping sores, itchy eyes or hives are all common reactions which occur in people sensitised to plant chemicals. If you are unfortunate enough to experience an allergic reaction after coming into contact with a plant, immediately rinse the skin and wash the area with detergent and rinse the site throughly with tap water. Apply calamine lotion to the area and if the reactions persists seek medical help.
At this time of the year the most common allergy is mango dermatitis. This occurs when fruit sap comes into contact with the skin after harvesting mangoes. The most sensitive area is the mouth or face where itchy blisters can develop if the mango sap from the stalk or the rind of the mango comes into contact with skin whilst eating the mango. It’s always a good idea to peel mangoes before eating them.
We all love grevilleas in the garden and so do the birds as the flowers are full of pollen and last a long time. However, all parts of the grevillea plant contain tridecylresorcinol which can cause a severe rash with developing blisters.
Therefore, it is wise not to plant grevilleas near a pathway where children or animals may come into contact with the foliage or the flowers.
Plants that have flowers with high amounts of pollen can cause asthma. The Australia wattle flower is notorious for causing asthma attacks particularly when the pollen is released suddenly in a dry storm.
During summer fern spore matures and on hot sunny days the sporangia releases the spore to drift on the wind in clouds of millions. If any part of the aerial cloud of fern spore is inhaled it can irritate the lungs and cause a severe allergic reaction; if this happens immediately seek medical assistance.
Many common garden plants contain milky saps that are poisonous and can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Top of this list is the popular ground cover and edging plant Rhoeo, Moses-in-the-Cradle. Animals are particularly sensitive to this plant as it can cause skin irritations and severe blistering around the mouth and in the throat if the plant is chewed. There are many good ground covers to choose from and this is one that is best avoided.
Euphorbia species are very popular in home gardens but they all contain a white sap that is poisonous. This family of plants is large and includes poinsettias as well as some native species. Handle these plants with care, wear gloves and grow euphorbias in an area not frequented by children or animals.
Many lily plants are poisonous, particularly the native crinum lily, C. asiaticum, which is flowering at the moment. All parts of this lily are poisonous particularly the large green seeds that develop in late summer. In addition all parts of the popular little Zephyranthes lily is also toxic to humans and animals.
The rainforest tree Castanospermum australe, Black Bean, is about to flower in street plantings around Queensland, and in the rainforest, the chestnut like seeds of this tree contain an alkaloid that is poisonous, however, the Aboriginal people of Queensland’s rainforests knew how to process these seeds to remove the toxin and to use the pulp from the seeds to make bread. Do not try this at home as the process is lengthy.
Brugmansia, or Angel Trumpets are common exotic garden shrubs. Their highly perfumed trumpet-like flowers open throughout the warm months of the year. Every part of this plant is toxic and contains high levels of the alkaloids scopolamine and hyoscyamine. If any part of this plant is eaten it can cause confusion, severe migraines, paralysis and heart failure.
If you have ever ventured into untrodden parts of the Wet Tropics Rainforest you may have come into contact with the giant stinging tree, Dendrocnide moroides.
This tree flowers in summer and the developing fruits are sought after by birds. Birds can drop the seed in gardens where they germinate and the growing leaves quickly develop their deadly stinging hairs.
The stinging hairs are visible on the underside of the large, heart shaped, deep green leaves, a good pair of gloves will give protection from their toxin whilst the plant is dispatched.
If a member of your family develops an allergic reaction whilst gardening, take care to seek medical advise as quickly as possible.