The African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) is widely recognized for its striking, vibrant flowers. Despite its ornamental appeal and frequent use in gardens and along streets, this tree is considered toxic to humans. Its showy appearance belies a potential hazard, making awareness of its properties important for anyone encountering it.
Identifying the African Tulip Tree
The African Tulip Tree grows as an upright tree, capable of reaching heights between 25 and 60 feet, forming a rounded canopy. The trunk is often thick with rough, gray bark. Its leaves are pinnately compound, meaning multiple leaflets are arranged along a central stem, with each leaflet measuring about 4 to 6 inches long. These leaves emerge with a bronze hue, eventually maturing to a dark green.
The tree’s large, bell-shaped flowers are typically orange-red, though yellow varieties also exist. These flowers, about 3 to 5 inches wide, appear in clusters at the branch tips. Following the blooms, the tree produces elongated, cigar-shaped seed pods, 6 to 12 inches long, which dry and split into two boat-shaped halves, releasing numerous thin, winged seeds.
Understanding Its Toxicity
All parts of the African Tulip Tree are considered toxic if ingested by humans, including the flowers, seeds, leaves, bark, and particularly the sap. While the precise chemical compounds responsible for its toxicity are not fully identified, some sources indicate the presence of saponins and alkaloids. Extracts from the tree’s leaves can cause adverse effects.
The fruit, in particular, contains a poisonous core. Ingesting any part of the tree can lead to various adverse reactions. The sap, when it comes into contact with skin, is also known to cause irritation. Understanding that the entire plant poses a risk upon ingestion is important for safety.
Symptoms of Exposure
If parts of the tree are ingested, common symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Consuming the fruit can lead to more pronounced effects, including blurred vision, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Contact with the tree’s sap can cause skin irritation, often presenting as a painful rash or a burning sensation. Blistering may occur. Repeated or prolonged contact with the sap can exacerbate these reactions, potentially leading to issues like brittle or deformed fingernails. In rare cases, individuals have reported symptoms such as hoarseness, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing after exposure.
What to Do in Case of Exposure
If the sap comes into contact with skin, thoroughly rinse the affected area with soap and water to minimize irritation. For cases of ingestion, it is important to seek professional medical advice without delay.
Contact a poison control center or seek immediate medical attention, especially if the quantity ingested is significant or if the affected person is a child. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional. Prompt and appropriate medical assessment can help manage symptoms and prevent more severe complications.
Safe Handling and Prevention
When handling the African Tulip Tree, especially during pruning or cleanup, wearing protective gloves and eyewear is advisable. This precaution helps to prevent skin contact with the irritating sap.
It is also prudent to avoid planting the African Tulip Tree in areas frequently accessed by small children or pets, given their potential for accidental ingestion. When disposing of pruned branches or removed trees, proper methods should be employed.