African sisal, bayonet plant, bow-tie plant… Sansevieria, as the botanically correct name of the popular houseplant, has many names. Some of these point to the practical use of the same in their African homeland: the fibers of some species are used for clothing or consumer goods such as mats and ropes.
All parts of the plant of bow hemp are poisonous
All parts of the bow tie are poisonous
But especially those who have small children and / or pets at home should either ban the bow tie from their home or ship it to a completely inaccessible place. All parts of bower hemp contain toxic saponins that can break down the blood. Adults rarely eat their houseplants in a salad, but small children and cats like to nibble on the tempting greens - especially the latter if they don't have enough cat grass available. You should immediately become suspicious if you experience the following symptoms:
- nausea
- Vomit
- cramps
- diarrhea
Now, these symptoms are of course fairly unspecific and in children there can be a whole range of diseases behind them. In cats, however, it is often poisoning. If you are sure in both cases that there are signs of poisoning, call the poison control center immediately in the case of children or take your pet to the veterinarian.
Beneficial Bow Hemp: Sansevieria as a room air improver
However, arch hemp not only has a dangerous, but also an extremely practical side: the plant has been proven to improve the room air and filters out toxins from the air we breathe - by the way, one of the reasons why indoor plants belong in every apartment. Sansevierias are even suitable for people without a green thumb, because they are considered to be extremely easy to care for and only rarely have to be watered.
tips
If poisoning is suspected, give the affected person plenty of still (not carbonated!) water to drink; medicinal charcoal, such as charcoal tablets, is also ideal. These bind the poison and prevent it from passing into the blood. However, do not induce vomiting!