The Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) is a striking tropical plant known for its unusual, almost gothic appearance. Its dark, winged blooms and long trailing filaments often lead to speculation about its safety in a home environment. Because of its dramatic looks, many homeowners with children or pets are concerned about its toxicity. This article assesses the Black Bat Flower’s safety profile for humans and common household animals.
The Toxicity Verdict
The Black Bat Flower is generally regarded as having a low risk of severe poisoning. Tacca chantrieri is not frequently listed among highly toxic plants by major animal poison control organizations. The plant does contain taccalonolides, a class of steroids found in the Tacca genus. Reports on the risk these compounds pose to domestic animals are conflicting, but symptoms are typically limited to mild gastrointestinal upset.
Consuming any plant material can cause physical irritation to the digestive system of pets and humans. This often results in self-limiting symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea because the plant matter is indigestible. Even if the plant is not chemically poisonous, consuming large quantities could lead to temporary discomfort. Historically, the leaves and rhizomes have been used in food and medicine in some cultures, suggesting a low level of toxicity to humans.
Identifying the Black Bat Flower
Accurate identification is important to ensure the toxicity assessment is applied to the correct specimen. The Black Bat Flower is instantly recognizable by its bizarre, dark purple to nearly black inflorescence. Its most dramatic features are the two large, wing-like bracts that flank the actual flowers, often spanning up to a foot across.
The plant also produces long, drooping, whisker-like filaments, sometimes reaching lengths of 28 inches. These filaments, or bracteoles, contribute to nicknames like Devil Flower or Cat’s Whiskers. The foliage is large, glossy, and deep green, forming a rosette of egg-shaped to lance-shaped leaves.
Tacca chantrieri should not be confused with its close relative, Tacca integrifolia, the White Bat Flower. Both species share the unique structure of the flower head and bracts, but the white variety lacks the dark coloring.
Safety Precautions and Handling
Despite the low-risk toxicity profile, exercising caution around the Black Bat Flower is a responsible approach for any indoor plant. The most effective preventative step is to place the plant in an area inaccessible to curious pets and small children. Utilizing high shelves or terrariums keeps the plant out of reach and helps provide the high humidity conditions this tropical species thrives in.
If ingestion is suspected, monitor the pet or child closely for symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or lethargy. Even with non-toxic plants, these signs may indicate irritation or a blockage. It is recommended to contact a medical professional, a veterinarian, or a pet poison control center immediately for guidance.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the Pet Poison Helpline offer 24/7 support for immediate assistance. Gardeners should also practice general safe handling, such as washing hands thoroughly after working with the plant. Wearing gloves is advisable if the handler has highly sensitive skin, though skin irritation from this plant is rare.