The swan plant is home to the Monarch caterpillar, and children are enthralled to see the butterfly emerge right in front of their eyes. How toxic is it and is it ok to have swan plants in the home?
The swan plant is a food source for the caterpillar of the Monarch butterfly and other butterflies of the Danaus species. The lifecycle of the monarch butterfly is the main reason the swan plant is present in preschool centres as children can trace the changes from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. In older children the Monarch butterfly and caterpillar are often used as an introduction to scientific experiments.
Additionally children will often pick the pod (swan) and let them float on ponds or streams
Swan plants (Gomphocarpus spp.) are toxic, and swallowing even a small amount could be a problem. Ingestion of the plant material can affect the heart, breathing, central nervous system and the stomach. Young children generally do not regard the plant material as attractive to eat, although they may find the pods (swans) fascinating.
Often the chrysalis of the monarch may be ingested as they look similar to lollies. There is no poisoning concern with children eating the chrysalis.
Because of the educational benefits of teaching children about the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly, swan plants are not on the Landcare Research list of plants that should not be grown or tolerated in New Zealand preschool centres.
Therefore, although it is a toxic plant, Swan plants can be grown in child care centres or homes with small children, providing supervisors are aware of the toxic nature of the plant, and take all necessary precautions to prevent poisoning from occuring.
What can I do to minimize a child ingesting swan plant
- Firstly, explain to the child(ren) that all parts of the swan plant are very poisonous which is why they should not touch them
- Supervise children at all times when they are around the swan plant
- Encourage children to enjoy the swan plant and butterflies without eating them
- Grow swan plants in a container that can be removed to an area inaccessible to children when not being used.
- Alternatively fence the swan plant off, so it is unreachable to children without adult help
- Another option is to place the swan plant in an open-topped bird cage so that the butterflies can get in and out, but children's hands can not get in.
If Swallowed
Immediately seek medical advice from your Poisons Centre or your Doctor. It is not necessary to give any fluids. Do not make the person vomit.
If on Skin
Immediately flush the exposed area with lots of water and seek medical advice from your Poisons Centre or your Doctor
If in Eyes
Flush the eye with room-temperature water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice from your Poisons Centre or your Doctor
Click here to find out how best to flush an eye
The eye will then need to be examined at your Medical Centre or Hospital.
Click here for further first aid advice