Read on below for more information on these popular plants for the Christmas season.
Theobromine in Holly
The toxin in holly is theobromine, an alkaloid chemical that is also found in cocoa and chocolate and is quite similar in structure to caffeine. Theobromine poisoning can cause gastrointestinal problems (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) as well as dizziness, a rapid pulse and low blood pressure. The more berries that are eaten, the more likely that sufficient theobromine will be ingested to cause poisoning.
Theobromine is especially dangerous for dogs because their bodies break it down very slowly. This is why chocolate is poisonous for them. Interestingly, although holly berries are toxic for humans, dogs and cats, they are edible for some wildlife.
Mistletoe | SourceMistletoe
Kissing underneath a piece of mistletoe is a popular Christmas tradition in some countries. The custom is supposed to bring good luck, especially in marriage.
Mistletoe is an interesting plant. It’s an evergreen parasite that grows on the branches of trees and shrubs and inserts projections called haustoria into its host. The haustoria absorb mineral nutrients and water from the host.
A mistletoe plant is classified as a hemiparasite instead of a full parasite because it isn’t entirely dependent on its host for survival. It has green leaves and can carry out photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food from simple nutrients, using light as an energy source.Mistletoe in a tree | SourcePoisonous Mistletoes
The word “mistletoe” actually refers to many different species of plants. The specific toxins in a mistletoe and the danger that it presents depend on its identity.European Mistletoe
The species that is most commonly associated with Christmas is the European mistletoe, or Viscum album. This plant has paired, oval leaves and yellow-green flowers. In the fall and winter the plant bears clusters of white berries that have a waxy appearance.
The leaves and berries of European mistletoe are poisonous. They contain several chemicals that can cause severe gastrointestinal problems. The website of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew states that although “as few as three or four berries” can cause a stomach ache in a child, poisoning is rarely serious in people. However, according to the website, some dogs have died due to European mistletoe poisoning.
See more at Dengarden
