Page 19 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 4 May 2023

Travel
Gardening

Daffodils may
”
result in serious
toxicity or even
fatality for a
”
curious pet

It may not cross our minds that some of the

stunning plants and cut flowers we so enjoy
may be toxic to our precious fur-family. The

truth is that a number of plants commonly

found in SA gardens pose a very real risk to

dogs and cats, particularly if ingested.

CYCADS family and, you guessed it, that of any garden or pasture and creates a
Many species of cycads are a serious strange seed capsule can be lethal to magnificent show. BUT! Those splendid
toxic risk to dogs and cats. The Japanese dogs and cats. flowers and the seed pods that follow
Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, is particularly them are also super-toxic to pets and
popular in many gardens as no permit YESTERDAY, TODAY AND livestock.
is required to grow it, and it presents TOMORROW
a lovely show with its rugged trunk Who can resist the elegant blossoms TOMATO and POTATO PLANTS
and symmetrical crown of dark green of the Y-T-T (Brunfelsia spp) and their Surely a veggie plant couldn’t be
leathery leaves. However, even a gentle fragrance? This cherished feature dangerous? Wrong! The good old
mouthful of any part of this plant - in SA gardens unfortunately contains tomato plant contains substances called
roots, fruit, stem or leaves - can lead to toxins in all parts of the plant that cause glycoalkaloids, which will cause nasty
irreversible liver failure in dogs and cats. vomiting, co-ordination problems, tummy upsets for pets if eaten. They are
seizures and tremors in curious canines also members of the deadly nightshade
STINKBLAAR or felines who give it the taste-test. family… who knew?! Potato plants are
With its trumpet-shaped flowers, also toxic.
smooth, toothed leaves and beguiling MORNING GLORY
‘fruit’, the Stinkblaar (Datura spp) is Sticking with wonderful weeds, the CUT FLOWERS
a member of the deadly nightshade Morning Glory literally takes ownership If your beloved is in the (delightful)

DPL issue 4 2023 17
16 DPL issue 4 2023 DPL issue 2 2023 7