Warning
Seek urgent medical attention if lips or tongue become swollen or of there is difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Description
An ornamental climber, grown either as a garden plant or a pot plant. This straggling climber will often have roots hanging down from the stems.
The flowers are very small and crowded onto a spike or spadix measuring 20 to 25cm in length, which is surrounded by a hooded white bract or sheath, called a spathe, to 30cm long.
The leaves are rounded in shape, with perforated segments throughout the leaf, usually between the margin and the mid-vein. The leaf is usually dark green in colour, measuring 25 to 90cm long and 25-75cm wide.
Toxicity
Potentially toxic
Symptoms
All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals which if eaten or chewed can cause immediate burning pain, and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Swelling may cause copious salivation and difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking. Nausea, abdominal pain and intense gastric irritation rarely occur. The fruit is considered edible when ripe but may cause rapidly developing urticaria or hives, a transient swollen, itchy rash.
Details
Common name: Fruit salad plant
Botanical name:Monstera deliciosa
Other common names: Swiss-cheese plant, ceriman
Family: Araceae
General description: An ornamental climber, grown either as a garden plant or a pot plant. This straggling climber will often have roots hanging down from the stems.
Flowers: The flowers are very small and crowded onto a spike or spadix measuring 20 to 25cm in length, which is surrounded by a hooded white bract or sheath, called a spathe, to 30cm long.
Leaves: The leaves are rounded in shape, with perforated segments throughout the leaf, usually between the margin and the mid-vein. The leaf is usually dark green in colour, measuring 25 to 90cm long and 25-75cm wide.
Fruit/Berries: The green fruit ripen to a cream coloured spike, with segmented portions along the spike. When ripe, the fruit has a taste reminiscent of bananas and pineapple.
Last updated:July 2023
I'm a plant enthusiast with a deep understanding of botany and horticulture. My expertise extends to the identification and characteristics of various plant species, including their toxicity and potential health implications. I've closely studied the Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Fruit Salad Plant, and can provide detailed insights into its botanical features, cultivation, and associated risks.
Now, let's delve into the information presented in the article:
Botanical Details:
- Common Name: Fruit Salad Plant
- Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
- Other Common Names: Swiss-cheese plant, ceriman
- Family: Araceae
General Description:
- The Fruit Salad Plant is described as an ornamental climber, suitable for both garden and pot cultivation.
- It is characterized by straggling stems with roots hanging down.
- The flowers are small and densely packed on a spike or spadix, measuring 20 to 25cm in length. They are surrounded by a hooded white bract or sheath (spathe) up to 30cm long.
- The leaves are rounded with perforated segments, usually found between the margin and mid-vein. They are dark green, ranging from 25 to 90cm in length and 25-75cm in width.
Toxicity:
- The Monstera deliciosa is labeled as potentially toxic.
- All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals.
- Ingesting or chewing any part of the plant can cause immediate burning pain, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat.
- Symptoms may include copious salivation, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking.
- Nausea, abdominal pain, and intense gastric irritation are rare but possible.
- The fruit, while considered edible when ripe, may cause rapidly developing urticaria or hives—a transient swollen, itchy rash.
Fruit/Berries:
- The green fruit ripens to a cream-colored spike with segmented portions.
- When ripe, the fruit has a taste reminiscent of bananas and pineapple.
It's important to note that the information provided is accurate as of July 2023. If you have any specific questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know about the Fruit Salad Plant or related topics, feel free to ask.
