Nerine species: Guernsey lily

Family

Liliaceae (Amaryllidaceae)

Common Names

Guernsey lily, nerine lily, spider lily.

Plant Description

Consisting of about 30 species indigenous to Southern Africa, Nerine species are lilies growing from bulbs. White to rosy pink, narrow-petalled, trumpet-shaped, showy flowers are produced in the fall on tall stems before the basal grass-like leaves emerge (Fig. 283 and Fig. 284).

Figure 283. Nerine bowdenii.

Figure 284. Nerine bowdenii flowers.

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

Several phenanthridine alkaloids including lycorine, neronine, and tazettine have been identified in the leaves, stems, and bulbs of Nerine [1]. The phenanthridine alkaloids are present in many of the Liliaceae, most notably in the Narcissus group (see Narcissus). The alkaloids have emetic, hypotensive, and respiratory depressant effects, and cause excessive salivation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. As many as 15 other phenanthridine alkaloids have been isolated from other genera of the Amaryllis family, including species of Clivia, Galanthus, Haemanthus, Hippeastrum, Hymenocallis, Leucojum, Narcissus, Sprekelia, and Zephranthes [1].

Risk Assessment

This attractive garden plant, and occasionally potted houseplant, has not been reported to cause poisoning in animals, but it has the potential to do so.

Clinical Signs

Vomiting, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and difficulty in breathing are associated with the phenanthridine alkaloids present in the lily family. If large quantities of the leaves and bulb are consumed, depression, ataxia, seizures, and hypotension may develop. Poisoning is rarely fatal, and can generally be treated symptomatically.