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Phoradendron
Clinical Findings: Although this plant contains calcium oxalates, they are not
well organized and therefore not typically associated with the same toxicity as dumbcane (Dieffenbachia species). Substantial ingestion may cause some gastrointestinal irritation including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most cases result in no symptoms. Management: Most cases result in no toxicity. Intravenous hydration, antiemetics, and electrolyte replacement may be necessary for patients with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly in children. Consultation with a Poison Control Center should be considered. See “Poisoning by Plants with Calcium Oxalate Crystals,” p. 23. References Franceschi VR, Nakata PA. Calcium oxalate in plants: Formation and function. Annu Rev Plant Biol 2005;56:41–71. McIntire MS, Guest JR, Porterfield JF. Philodendron—an infant death. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1990;28:177–183. Mrvos R, Dean BS, Krenzelok EP. Philodendron/Dieffenbachia ingestions: Are they a problem? J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1991;29:485–491.
Phoradendron species Family: Loranthaceae Phoradendron quadrangulare (Kunth) Griseb. (Note: P. rubrum misapplied) Phoradendron serotinum (Raf.) M.C. Johnst. var. serotinum (Note: P. flavescens misapplied) Phoradendron serotinum (Raf.) M.C. Johnst. var. tomentosum (DC.) Kuijt Common Names:
Phoradendron quadrangulare: Cepa Caballero Phoradendron serotinum: American Mistletoe, False Mistletoe, Mistletoe Phoradendron tomentosum: Injerto Description: These species are parasitic plants that grow on the trunks and branches of trees. They have thick, leathery, smooth-edged, opposite leaves and tiny flowers that grow in small spikes. The fruits are globose white berries and translucent in Phoradendron serotinum and P. tomentosum, and pinkish in P. quadrangulare. Distribution: Phoradendron quadrangulare is parasitic only on the mahogany
(Swietenia mahogani) throughout its entire range: southernmost Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Phoradendron serotinum is the mistletoe plant sold at Christmas. It is parasitic on deciduous trees in the southeast from New Jersey to Florida, west to southern Illinois and Texas. Phoradendron tomentosum grows from Kansas to