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Smodingium argutum
Botha, C.J. (Christoffel Jacobus); Venter, Elna; University of Pretoria. Faculty of Veterinary Science. Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences. Section Pharmacology and Toxicology
DISTRIBUTION: Occurs in shaded valleys, often Acacia dominated thorn bush in low rainfall areas.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:
General: A medium-sized tree, resembling Rhus spp.
Leaves: Dark green, leathery with three leaflets. Margins sharply toothed. Sap somewhat milky.
Flowers: Small, creamy green, in large loosely branched sprays. All floral parts in fives. November - March.
Fruit: Flattened nut with a red papery wing, containing an aromatic oil.
TOXIC PRINCIPLE:
Heptadecyl catechols.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
Skin and appendages.
CLINICAL SIGNS:
The sap causes a livid rash in humans which swells and blisters, accompanied by great discomfort, itching and intense burning pain which can persist for a long time.
Description:
Colour photos. Final web-ready size: JPEG, 72 ppi. Photo 1: 99.6 kb; Photo 2: 25.1 kb; Photo 3: 7.23 kb. Original TIFF file housed at the Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pretoria.