The monkey bread can be dangerous, especially for toddlers. In the event of an emergency, it is the responsibility of adults to immediately initiate the correct response measures.
Is the baobab tree poisonous?
Is the baobab tree poisonous? Yes, the baobab tree, known as a houseplant in Germany, can be potentially poisonous, especially for small children. If poisoning is suspected, those affected should drink plenty of water or tea and contact a poison control center immediately.
Poisonous as a wild form and houseplant
The name baobab is a bit ambiguous. For example, in Africa there is a species whose fruits are edible. The botanical name is Adansonia digitata. In contrast, there is a Malagasy baobab tree (Adansonia madagascariensis), whose bark contains adansonine. This is an antidote to the arrow poison strophantine.
In Germany the baobab tree is known as a houseplant. This is classified as potentially toxic. Depending on the size, age and weight of the children, eating individual parts can be dangerous.
First aid measures for children and adults:
- drink plenty of water or tea
- Do not give milk under any circumstances
- Do not induce vomiting (toxic substances can burn the mouth and esophagus again)
Contact poison control center
You will receive free telephone advice 24 hours a day.
Important questions if poisoning is suspected
- Which plant did the child swallow?
- Which parts were eaten? (leaves, stem, flowers, fruits)
- Just chewed and spit out or swallowed?
- How much was swallowed?
If the plant is unfamiliar to you, try to describe its appearance to the advisor as accurately as possible.
Clues:
- Location
- Appearance
- Shape
- Size
- Arrangement of leaves
- color
- Flowers
- Fruits
Visit a hospital
If the poison control center recommends going to the hospital, be sure to take a complete stem of the plant with you if possible, including leaves, flowers and possibly fruit.
Tips & Tricks
If you live with young children, the baobab tree should move out temporarily. Prevention is often the best medicine.
