The monkey bread can be dangerous, especially for children in infancy. In the event of an emergency, it is the responsibility of adults to immediately take the correct measures to help.

Poisonous as a wild form and houseplant

The name baobab tree is a bit ambiguous. For example, in Africa there is a species whose fruits are edible. The botanical name is Adansonia digitata. In contrast, there is a Madagascan baobab tree (Adansonia madagascariensis) whose bark contains adansonine. This is an antidote to the arrow poison Strophanthin.

In Germany, the baobab tree is known as a houseplant. This is classified as potentially toxic. Depending on the size, age and weight of the children, eating individual parts can be dangerous.

First aid measures for children and adults:

  • drink plenty of water or tea
  • never give milk
  • Do not induce vomiting (toxic substances can burn the mouth and esophagus again)

Contact poison control center

24 hours you will receive a free telephone consultation.

Important questions if poisoning is suspected.

  • Which plant did the child swallow?
  • Which parts were eaten? (leaves, stem, flowers, fruits)
  • Just chewed and spat out or swallowed?
  • How much was swallowed?

If the plant is unfamiliar to you, try to describe the appearance of the consultant as precisely as possible.

Clues:

  • location
  • Look
  • shape
  • size
  • arrangement of the leaves
  • color
  • blossoms
  • fruit

visiting a hospital

If the poison control center recommends a visit to the hospital, be sure to take a complete stalk of the plant, including leaves, flowers and possibly fruit, if possible.

tips and tricks

If you live with young children, the baobab tree should temporarily move out. Prevention is often the best medicine.

Category:

Trees