Green cestrum (Cestrum parqui)
A single or multi-stemmed, weedy shrub up to 2m tall, sometimes to 5m, with extensive yellow roots. It has been cultivated as an ornamental in the past and is a weed in some areas.
The flowers are tubular, 2-2.5cm long with five star shaped lobes, greenish-yellow and grouped in clusters at the ends of the stems.
The leaves are alternate, soft dark green, 2-10.5cm long and 0.5-2.4cm wide. The leaves have a strong unpleasant odour when crushed.
Toxicity category: 2, 4
Warning: Seek urgent medical attention for all ingestions.
Common name: Green cestrum
Botanical name: Cestrum parqui
Other common names: Green poisonberry, Chilean cestrum, Iodine bush, Willow-leaved jessamine
Family: Solanaceae
General description: A single or multi-stemmed, weedy shrub up to 2m tall, sometimes to 5m, with extensive yellow roots. It has been cultivated as an ornamental in the past and is a weed in some areas.
Flowers: The flowers are tubular, 2-2.5cm long with five star shaped lobes, greenish-yellow and grouped in clusters at the ends of the stems.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate, soft dark green, 2-10.5cm long and 0.5-2.4cm wide. The leaves have a strong unpleasant odour when crushed.
Fruit/Berries: The fruit are succulent shiny black berries, oval or teardrop shaped and about 1.0-1.5cm long. When crushed, the berries will stain the skin an iodine- brown.
Other: The sap is clear.
Symptoms: All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the fruit, and can cause elevated temperature, rapid pulse, excess salivation and gastritis
Toxicity category: 2, 4
Warning: Seek urgent medical attention for all ingestions.
