Warning
Seek urgent medical attention if lips or tongue become swollen or if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Description
An evergreen perennial herb, often grown as an ornamental, also very popular as a container plant.
The flowers are fleshy white to cream sheath or bract, called a spathe, surrounding a spike of fragrant, closely packed minute flowers.
The leaves are bright green, lance shaped, shiny, up to 30cm long and clustered at the base of the plant.
Toxicity
Symptoms
This plant, if eaten, can produce a tingling or burning sensation, followed by swelling of the lips, mouth and tongue. Contact dermatitis may also occur in sensitive individuals.
Images
Details
Common name: Peace lily
Botanical name: Spathiphyllum species; most commonly Spathiphyllum wallisii
Other common names: Madonna lily
Family: Araceae
General description: An evergreen perennial herb, often grown as an ornamental, also very popular as a container plant.
Flowers: The flowers are fleshy white to cream sheath or bract, called a spathe, surrounding a spike of fragrant, closely packed minute flowers.
Leaves: The leaves are bright green, lance shaped, shiny, up to 30cm long and clustered at the base of the plant.
Fruit/Berries: The fruit are white berries.
Other: The sap is clear.
Last updated: November 2024