Bird of Paradise Flower
Strelitzia reginae · Strelitziaceae
How it looks
Bird of Paradise Flower is a plant with long, thick, leathery leaves that spread out like a fan. The flower is a highly distinctive form in which orange and blue petals rise like a bird's head from within a beak-shaped bract. It reaches 3-7 ft (1-2 m) tall and is popular for interiors.
Mild caution — seeds and fruit
The leaves and flowers of Bird of Paradise Flower are relatively safe, but the seeds and fruit contain irritating compounds that can cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness if ingested.
Guide for parents
Bird of Paradise Flower is a houseplant notable for its large leaves and bird-shaped flowers. It rarely sets fruit indoors, but be careful that your cat doesn't play with and swallow seeds that drop into the pot. An occasional nibble on just the leaves isn't a big problem. If drowsiness lasts abnormally long, tell the vet about the exposure.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Mild nausea, vomiting, drowsiness
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Strelitzia reginae
- Common name
- Bird of Paradise Flower
- Family
- Strelitziaceae
- Toxic parts
- Seeds, Fruit
- Compounds
- Irritant compounds
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Mild nausea, vomiting, drowsiness
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Also known as
Related plants
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