Buddhist Pine
Podocarpus macrophylla · Podocarpaceae
How it looks
Buddhist Pine is an evergreen tree with narrow, long, glossy leathery leaves densely set along the branches. The leaves are dark green with pointed tips and look conifer-like, though they are not true needles. It reaches 7-33 ft (2-10 m) tall and is popular in gardens and as an indoor bonsai.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Buddhist Pine (especially the seeds) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea 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 Buddhist Pine rarely leads to serious trouble, but it contains compounds — not yet clearly identified — that can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Podocarpus macrophylla
- Common name
- Buddhist Pine
- Family
- Podocarpaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the seeds)
- Compounds
- Unknown
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
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