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Old 05-04-2003, 06:34 AM
J & A Haig
 
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Default Eremophillia Maculata... Cyanide?

Hi,

wouldn't worry too much. Many plants do contain cyanide-like compound/s,
most notably the Macadamia spp. Some spp have levels that are toxic as
these compounds will break down with stomach acids to yield cyanide. Others
have levels so low as to be of no concern and are actually regarded as
edible. I personally don't know about the Ermophilla sp, but don't let that
put you off growing it. The fact is, many plants contain some of the most
toxic and carcinogenic substances known to man (never do a search on plant
toxins, downright scarey!) yet we grow many of them in our home gardens
without a second thought. Animals generally instinctively avoid them unless
starved. Toddlers may be at risk (tho many are very bitter and unpalatable)
but I know that I had to keep an eye on my youngsters at that age so they
didn't eat broken glass, dog mines, possum piddle/poo, bird poo, dirt,
plants, nuts and bolts, etc.

Eremophillas are lovelly plants, go for it. Jim Haig


"utphonejack" wrote in message
...
Hi All,
I recently read in Gardening Australia that Eremophillia Maculata (yellow
emu bush) contains trace amounts of cyanide.
I recently planted some Eremophillia Maculata AUREA shrubs - I can't find
any information regarding this varieties cyanide content - does anyone

know
if this variety also contains nasties?