Aglaonema species: Chinese evergreen

Family

Araceae

Common Name

Chinese evergreen

Plant Description

This genus of approximately 20 species is indigenous to China and many parts of tropical Asia. A variety of hybrids have been developed as house and garden plants for their attractive foliage, and ability to survive under low light and poor growing conditions in people's homes. The plants have branching stems with numerous fleshy, variegated, lanceolate leaves up to 12 in. in length (Fig. 29 and Fig. 30). The flowers are usually small and inconspicuous produced as a fleshy spike enveloped by a spathe, like other members of the Araceae family. The fruits are berries that are frequently brightly colored.

Figure 29. Aglaonema commitatum.

Figure 30. Aglaonema.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

Like other members of the Araceae, Chinese evergreens contain oxalate crystals within the stems and leaves [1,2]. (See Dieffenbachia)

Risk Assessment

Chinese evergreens are commonly grown as house plants, and as such pose a minor risk to household pets that chew on the stems and leaves.

Clinical Signs

Animals that chew on or consume leaves of Agloenema species will experience the irritant effects of the oxalates causing excessive salvation and vomiting.

Treatment

Unless salivation and vomiting are excessive, treatment is seldom necessary. The plant should be removed or made inaccessible to the pets that are eating the plant.