- Aug 21, 2010
- 32,673
- 9,797
- Parrots
- Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /
RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
I recently re-landscaped my home with succulent plants with the goal of reducing water usage. Late yesterday one of the plants was listing to the side and I attempted a rescue. In the process several limbs broke and secreted a milky white substance. I finished the job and washed my hands with all the gusto of a 12 year old.... a quick pass through the faucet stream, a dab of soap, rubbed for about 5 seconds, and lazily dried with my shirt.
About two hours later my left eye reddened, began to sting, and my left nostril felt as though a hot pepper had ventured upward. An hour later the agony began. Left eye was on fire, pain about an 8 out of 10. Minor relief when opened with tearing, but after a few seconds when closed to blink, it spiked to an 8. I had obviously carelessly cleaned my hands, touched my nose and left eye!
Puzzled with such asymmetrical discomfort, Google was my friend. I had suspected the white goo might be a culprit and learned that cute little spiky plant known as Pencil Cactus, Milkbush, Firestick, aka Euphorbia Tirucalli is a menace! Turns out the white latex sap is highly caustic and can cause significant eye damage. Folks with latex sensitivities may suffer corneal burns leading to temporary blindness. It has been used as homeopathic drug causing death.
The pain was so extreme and my fear of complications nearly sent me to the ER, given that urgent care facilities for my med plan were closed at a late hour. Flushing with water brought some relief, and most online sources suggest persistent pain for hours requires intervention. Much better 2 hours later, just a bit of residual redness next morning.
I noticed these plants had no root structure when the gardeners placed them. The one in question felled due to wind, before it self-anchored. Pencil Cactus is unique and beautiful with a festive transition from green to orange at top, but I will *never* touch one again! Buyer beware, they have a mixed reputation!!!
About two hours later my left eye reddened, began to sting, and my left nostril felt as though a hot pepper had ventured upward. An hour later the agony began. Left eye was on fire, pain about an 8 out of 10. Minor relief when opened with tearing, but after a few seconds when closed to blink, it spiked to an 8. I had obviously carelessly cleaned my hands, touched my nose and left eye!
Puzzled with such asymmetrical discomfort, Google was my friend. I had suspected the white goo might be a culprit and learned that cute little spiky plant known as Pencil Cactus, Milkbush, Firestick, aka Euphorbia Tirucalli is a menace! Turns out the white latex sap is highly caustic and can cause significant eye damage. Folks with latex sensitivities may suffer corneal burns leading to temporary blindness. It has been used as homeopathic drug causing death.
The pain was so extreme and my fear of complications nearly sent me to the ER, given that urgent care facilities for my med plan were closed at a late hour. Flushing with water brought some relief, and most online sources suggest persistent pain for hours requires intervention. Much better 2 hours later, just a bit of residual redness next morning.
I noticed these plants had no root structure when the gardeners placed them. The one in question felled due to wind, before it self-anchored. Pencil Cactus is unique and beautiful with a festive transition from green to orange at top, but I will *never* touch one again! Buyer beware, they have a mixed reputation!!!
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