Seek urgent medical attention if lips or tongue become swollen or if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Description
An ornamental rhizomatous perennial plant 45 to 60cm tall with leathery, glossy dark green leaves.
Often cultivated as an indoor plant. If there is insufficient water, this plant may lose its leaves and survive off the large potato-like rhizome until watered again.
Flowers consist of a central spike, 5 to 7cm long, yellow to brown/bronze in colour, crowded with numerous tiny florets and surrounded by a bract or spathe. The flowers are on shorter stems usually partially hidden amongst the base of the plant. Glossy leaves are up to 60cm long, succulent and pinnate with 6 to 8 pairs of leaflets. Leaflets are about 7 to 15cm long, elliptic-ovate and broadest above the middle.
Toxicity
Symptoms
All parts of the plant are poisonous. If chewed or swallowed symptoms can cause immediate pain or a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Contact dermatitis may also occur in sensitive individuals.
Images
Details
Common name: Zanzibar gem
Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Other common names: Zee zee plant, Z Z plant
Family: Araceae
General description: An ornamental rhizomatous perennial plant 45 to 60cm tall with leathery, glossy dark green leaves. Often cultivated as an indoor plant. If there is insufficient water, this plant may lose its leaves and survive off the large potato-like rhizome until watered again.
Flowers: Flowers consist of a central spike, 5 to 7cm long, yellow to brown/bronze in colour, crowded with numerous tiny florets and surrounded by a bract or spathe. The flowers are on shorter stems usually partially hidden amongst the base of the plant.
Leaves: Glossy leaves are up to 60cm long, succulent and pinnate with 6 to 8 pairs of leaflets. Leaflets are about 7 to 15cm long, elliptic-ovate and broadest above the middle.
Fruit/Berries: The fruit are white berries with a darker central spot and about 1cm in diameter.
Last updated: July 2023