Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta)
Colocasia esculenta · Araceae
How it looks
Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta) is a plant with very large arrowhead- to heart-shaped leaves borne at the tips of long leaf stalks. The leaves are dark green and glossy, measuring 12-24 in (30-60 cm), resembling an elephant's ear. It reaches 3-7 ft (1-2 m) tall and is cultivated for its edible root (taro).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta) (especially the roots) contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling and vomiting if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta) rarely leads to serious trouble, but the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Colocasia esculenta
- Common name
- Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta)
- Family
- Araceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the roots)
- Compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
