Although the Elaine plant (Agapanthus africanus) is not fatally toxic, it can cause distress and pain when the sap comes into contact with the skin or mucus membranes, and gastrointestinal irritation when swallowed. The symptoms of exposure to the irritant can include:
- Rashes
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Nausea
- Painful blisters or ulcers
- Redness
- Swelling
- Vomiting
Simple dermal exposure is generally short lived. In the event that vomiting becomes excessive, lasts longer than 24 hours, or if you are unsure of what toxin or plant your pet was exposed to, contact your veterinarian.
Types
Agapanthus africanus can be a difficult plant to grown and its cousin, Agapanthus praecox, is an easier plant to cultivate. Because of this, and the similarity in the appearance of the two plants, Agapanthus Praecox is sometimes sold as Agapanthus africanus. Both varieties cause the same irritation to the skin and mucus membranes when exposed to the sap. One variety, Agapanthus praecox orientalis, is known to have insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the sap as well. The addition of the calcium oxalate crystals may cause additional swelling in the mouth and throat area as the crystals embed themselves into the soft tissue of the mouth and throat.