Recently, I spotted a beautiful, mature Diffenbachia in the kitchen of a cousin’s home.
Chewing a portion of its stem can render someone temporarily but painfully speechless, as the calcium oxalate crystals in it can cause throat and mouth swelling.
Caladium, flamingo flower also contain oxalate crystals.
If you suspect your child has nibbled a stem, leaf, flower, root or bulb, call the national poison control center for guidance.
Learn their botanical names so you can provide them to a poison specialist or medical personnel in the event of an incident.