Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Variegata'
Schefflera arboricola 'Variegata' · Araliaceae
How it looks
Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Variegata' is a type of Schefflera whose leaves gather like umbrella spokes at the end of a single stalk, with white or yellow variegation on the leaves. The leaves are small and glossy, and it grows 1.5–6.5 ft (50 cm–2 m) tall. Its leaves are smaller and more compact than the standard umbrella tree.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
The leaves and fruit of Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Variegata' contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling 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 Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Variegata' rarely leads to serious trouble, but its saponins and polyacetylenes can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Schefflera arboricola 'Variegata'
- Common name
- Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Variegata'
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, Fruit
- Compounds
- Saponins, Polyacetylenes
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
