Angel's Trumpet

Brugmansia PERS.

Family: Solanaceae (nightshade family)  

Description

An ornamental plant growing to a height of one to two metres, with trumpet-shaped white, yellow or pinkish-red flowers up to 25 centimetres long. The plant contains tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, hyoscyamine) in all parts of the plant, but predominantly in the leaves and flowers.

Symptoms of poisoning

• Following ingestion of parts of the plant: dry mucous membranes, restlessness, confusion, elevated body temperature, vomiting, hallucinations, thirst and rapid breathing.
• Following skin contact: rapid onset of redness.
• Following eye contact: usually dilated pupils on one side.

First aid

• Remove any plant matter from the mouth if possible.
• If swallowed, give the person a cup of water or tea to drink.
• In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water (for approx. 5 minutes; 10 minutes if there is severe stinging).
• If you suspect the substance has been ingested, please contact a poison control centre immediately to discuss what to do next.
• If the child has ingested a large amount or is showing symptoms and a poison control centre cannot be reached immediately, call the emergency services.