Seek urgent medical attention if lips or tongue become swollen or if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Description
An ornamental plant with large, fleshy leaves and bright red or pink spathe flowers.
The flowers consist of a red to pink bract or sheath called a spathe, which opens out flat and often shows puckering of the veins. The spathe is broad ovate to heart shaped, 10-15cm long.
The central spike or spadix is white or yellow, 8-12cm long. The leaves are ovate or heart-shaped, 17-50cm long and 11-22cm wide.
Toxicity
Symptoms
Chewing any part can result in painful burning of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Sometimes acute inflammatory reactions including blistering and swelling of tissues can occur.
Images
Details
Common name: Flamingo flower
Botanical name: Anthurium andraeanum
Other common names: Flamingo lily, Tail flower
Family: Araceae
General description: An ornamental plant with large, fleshy leaves and bright red or pink spathe flowers.
Flowers: The flowers consist of a red to pink bract or sheath called a spathe, which opens out flat and often shows puckering of the veins. The spathe is broad ovate to heart shaped, 10-15cm long. The central spike or spadix is white or yellow, 8-12cm long.
Leaves: The leaves are ovate or heart-shaped, 17-50cm long and 11-22cm wide.
Fruit/Berries: The fruit are red berries, 8-15mm long, ovoid shaped and clustered along the spike.
Other: The sap is clear.
Last updated: July 2023