Iron Cross Begonia
Begonia masoniana
How it looks
Iron cross begonia is a very distinctive begonia with a dark brown-to-black cross-shaped marking at the center of each leaf. The leaves are rough-textured and deep green, with a clearly defined cross pattern. Grows 8–16 in tall; the leaf pattern is the main attraction.
Mild caution — stomach upset
The roots (most toxic part) and leaves of iron cross begonia contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
A nibble or two of iron cross begonia rarely leads to serious trouble, but its calcium oxalates and soluble oxalates irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make it a habit to clear 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's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Within minutes to 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Begonia masoniana
- Common name
- Iron Cross Begonia
- Toxic parts
- Roots (most toxic part), Leaves
- Compounds
- Calcium oxalates, Soluble oxalates
- Onset
- Within minutes to 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
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