Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta) Poisonous

This is the plant that all Catholic Churches use yearly on Palm Sunday for the Procession.

Leaves and male cone of Cycas revoluta.

The plant is called a Sago Palm and its highly poisonous to both pets and humans.
A chemical in the plant called cycasin is toxic and often causes permanent liver damage as well as neurological damage if enough of the poison is absorbed by the body.

The seeds are the most poisonous part of the plant and the effects on humans are seizures, coma and death.
Of course you and I wouldn’t just yank off a chunk of this plant and gnaw on it but the seeds are colorful so if you  have kids and Sago palm in your yard educate them on the danger or get rid of the plant.

It was later discovered that neighbour’s dog vomited after swallowing the plant and after 2 days in the vet on IV, and was given charcoal inserted in his stomach, a test revealed that his liver was recovering.

Sadly few people are aware of how dangerous this plant, many have lost their dogs, and even many veterinarians are unaware of. This plant doesn’t carry a warning label and is becoming popular  in Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot, so spread the word. Be reminded…. look out and tell your neighbours if they also have this plant. A killer amongst greenery.

More details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycas_revoluta