Huge, exotic-looking leaves, upright stems, orange-red flowers and emerald-green inflorescences reminiscent of budgerigars in autumn - the parrot plant looks good. But beware: it should be enjoyed with caution!
All plant parts of the parrot plant are slightly poisonous
Mildly toxic, yet of medicinal value
The parrot plant, also known as milkweed and easy to propagate, is considered slightly poisonous. Both their plant parts and their milky sap, which is contained in the leaves and stems, are poisonous.
Still, this plant is significant and worth planting:
- Production of cough syrups (has an expectorant effect)
- Milky juice is used in the production of gum and caoutchouc
- Flowers are valuable bee pasture
- decorative seed heads
- 'Silk' in the fruit for filling pillows
tips
If you have pets or small animals in the household, you should place the plant out of their reach and take care when caring for it that no parts of the plant fall on the ground!