Jatropha Urens.
Spurge nettle. Tread-softly. (Southern United States.). N. O.
Euphorbiaceæ. Tincture of fresh plant.Clinical.─
Cardiac paresis. Œdema.
Characteristics.─
According to Allen this is the
most poisonous plant known. He quotes from the Kew Gardens
Quarterly (December, 1851) the experience of Mr. Smith, who touched his wrist
against the fine bristly stings of the plant whilst reaching over it. He experienced these
symptoms: numbness and swelling of the lips. The action of the poison was on the heart;
circulation stopped, and Mr. Smith soon fell unconscious, the last thing he remembered being
cries of, “Run for the doctor!” Other Jatrophas
are J. Glauca or glandulifera
of the East Indies, the seeds of which when crushed yield an oil which is used as an
external application in rheumatism; and J. Podagrica,
which has a curious nodulated gouty-looking stem.® 2000
Article