Are convertible florets poisonous?

The convertible rose in the profile

Convertible roses (Latin: Lantana camara) belong to the verbena family and are popular in Germany's gardens because of their pretty, delicate flowers. Of the shrub grows up to a meter high. It resembles a small one hydrangea. The leaves are almost the size of a thumb and tapering to a point. In the flowering period between June and September, the convertible rose looks particularly beautiful.

Overview of the convertible rose

Family (bot.)	Verbenaceae
origin	Central America, southern north america
Distribution and location	Wasteland, meadows and forests; in warm tropics and subtropics, in temperate latitudes as an ornamental plant
height	up to one meter
growth	Shrub with drooping branches
leaves	oval leaves up to two centimeters long, rough, wrinkled surface; sawn edge
blossoms	terminal heads, first yellow to orange, later red to violet (hence the name changing rose)
fruit	blue-black drupes
use	Ornamental plant

Toxicity of the plant for humans

All parts of the beautiful ornamental plant are poisonous. These include leaves, stems and the particularly poisonous fruits. Children often confuse the dark blue fruits with blueberries or Currants and suffer dangerous poisoning. The plant's toxins damage the liver, impair the outflow of bile, and change enzymes in the liver and blood.

The symptoms of poisoning are similar to deadly nightshade poisoning. They are accompanied by dilated pupils, muscle twitching, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The skin turns yellow and shows inflammation.

When you see your child getting flowers or Berry of the convertible rose is in your mouth, remove any parts of the plant that are still in your mouth. Call an ambulance immediately. Do not wait for the child to complain of nausea or pain. The poison control center is only advisory, which does not help you in the event of poisoning.

That is how poisonous the plant is to animals

The convertible rose is poisonous for many pets and farm animals. These include dogs and Cats, Rabbits and hares, guinea pigs and hamsters and cattle. Symptoms are similar to those in humans: liver damage, jaundice, movement disorders, bloody diarrhea, constipation, and rashes.

The toxins are phototoxic, which means that when exposed to sunlight, they are toxic. The affected animals therefore show sensitivity to light. In cows, the convertible rose works with about daily consumption 22.5 grams of the plant per kilo of body weight fatal after five days.

In animals, too, the parts of the plant that have not yet been swallowed must be removed from their mouths. Then see a veterinarian immediately. For emergencies, it is generally advisable to have the phone number of a veterinary clinic or a veterinarian with emergency service on weekends and at night to hand.

Many birds tolerate the fruits of the poisonous plant well. They contribute significantly to the spread of the seeds by eating the fruit and excreting it elsewhere.

Maintain convertible roses

If properly cared for, the convertible rose also thrives in temperate latitudes. It needs a sunny and hot location and once a week fertilizer. It tolerates rainwater best. Water a lot, but avoid waterlogging as a matter of principle. In the spring, cut back the older shoots.

In autumn, take the plant to a cool room in the house or the winter garden before the first frost. Water little and do not fertilize during winter.

You can find more care tips for the convertible rose at Plantsfreunde.com, Gartentipps.com, Balkonia.de and Gartennatur.com.

Lantana camara - pretty but dangerous

The changing flower is an ornament in the garden with its changing colors. The downside of the plant is its high toxicity. If you have children or pets, you should not grow green roses or other poisonous plants, but rather use non-toxic plants.