The entirety of the Solomon's lily plant contains toxic insoluble calcium oxalates, which cause a painful reaction in most mammals, including cats. These sharp crystals are contained in raphides that are packed by gelatinous material within idioblasts in the plant. When the plant is chewed, the raphides shoot the calcium oxalate crystals into the tissues of the mouth, esophagus and eventually the digestive system, causing intense pain and irritation. In response to these toxins, the body may form an immune reaction resulting in swelling, which can be great enough to interfere with a cat's breathing. Large amounts of plant consumption can even lead to organ failure and death in extreme cases. The plant has long been used as a part of traditional Israeli medicine for its powerful health effects in humans.
Solomon's lily is a perennial plant native to the Middle East that is scientifically known as the Arum palaestinum. It is also called black calla, Palestine Arum, wild calla, or wild arum. This plant can not survive frost but may be kept potted in containers. It can be found growing wild in warmer regions of the United States. Reaching as high as 15”, Solomon's lily first emerges from the ground in the fall. The large leaves, which are trowel-like in shape, grow from singular stems. Blooms do not appear until the spring months, manifesting as large, velvety flowers made up of one large sheath. They are purple-black in color. The fragrance of these flowers resembles fermenting fruit, and attracts flies for pollination. Seeds eventually form in hard, brown casings.