Black Calla
Arum palestinum · Araceae
How it looks
The black calla (Arum palestinum) is a distinctive plant with large arrowhead- or spear-shaped leaves and a hood-shaped dark purple-to-black spathe surrounding a rod-shaped flower spadix that rises from within. Height 12–20 in (30–50 cm).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Black Calla contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling and vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Black Calla rarely leads to serious trouble, but the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Arum palestinum
- Common name
- Black Calla
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Araceae
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