Poisonous Plants - Dieffenbachia Seguine

Dumbcane (Eng.), Rano Cimarr (Sp.), Dieffenbachia seguine (bot.); native, West Indies.

Photo by Aurea Moragón, El Yunque National Forest.

Description

This tropical/sub-tropical plant is a popular ornamental which escapes cultivation and is found in shady areas near water or in thickets to middle forest elevations or on the coastal plain. An erect plant, it has a creeping, cane-like stem to 6 feet (1.8 meters) high, elliptical leaves and a yellow floral spike (spadix) partially enclosed in a light green sheath (spathe). 

Poisonous characteristics

The leaves of the Dumbcane plant contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes. Eating the leaves can cause TEMPORARY PARALYSIS OF THE MOUTH, TONGUE, THROAT AND VOCAL CORDS. If accidentally rubbed into the eyes the crystals from the leaf can cause TEMPORARY VISION LOSS and SWELLING OF THE EYELID.

When observing this plant

If possible, avoid contact with its leaves. Do not eat its leaves. If you inadvertently touch the leaves of this plant, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your mouth, eyes or the area surrounding them.

Where is this plant found in the El Yunque NF?

This plant is found at various locations along the sides of the El Portal Trail adjacent to the El Portal Rain Forest Center.

Additional information

Tropical Vegetation Specialist
USDA Forest Service
El Yunque National Forest
HC-01, Box 13490
Rio Grande, PR 00745-9625
787 888 1810

Honeychurch, P., 1986, Caribbean Wild Plants And Their Uses, MACMILLAN EDUCATION LTD., London, UK

Nez-Meldez, E., 1990, Plantas Venenosas de Puerto Rico y las que producen dermatitis, Ed. Universidad de Puerto Rico.

Mowbray, A., 2005, El Portal Rain Forest Center Interpretive Site Guide, USDA Forest Service, El Yunque National Forest. Maps on pp 20-21 show locations of poisonous trees/plants/shrubs that may be encountered on the El Portal Trail.