Kaffir Lily
Clivia miniata · Amaryllidaceae
How it looks
Kaffir Lily has broad, thick, long strap-shaped dark green leaves that grow from the base in a fan-shaped clump. In spring, 10–20 orange-to-red trumpet-shaped flowers gather like an umbrella at the tip of a thick flower stalk. It grows 16–24 in (40–60 cm) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Kaffir Lily (especially the bulb) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if chewed. Large ingestions can bring convulsions, low blood pressure, and arrhythmias, so as a caution-level plant it calls for monitoring.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, Drooling, Diarrhea, Convulsions, Low blood pressure, Tremors, Cardiac arrhythmia
- Onset (typical course)
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
Guide for parents
The lycorine and other alkaloids in Kaffir Lily irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, so chewing can bring vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea. The bulb holds the most toxin, and large ingestions can go on to tremors or convulsions.
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.
Details
- Scientific name
- Clivia miniata
- Common name
- Kaffir Lily
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the bulbs)
- Compounds
- Lycorine, Alkaloids
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Amaryllidaceae
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