2023 Unofficial Pollinator Plant of the Year: Mealy Blue Sage or Zexmenia? The stalks of the bloom serve as a stark reminder that the Agaves life is coming to an end. The easiest way to do this is to burn them off the surface of the fruit using an open flame. Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Physical therapy rehabilitation exercises can be helpful to restore normal joint function. The plant remained and dried up enough to roll it to an open area. Alternatively, you can separate the root ball into smaller sections to allow it to pass through more easily. Photo by Monika Maeckle, Quiet and understated in their youth, the mature agaves seemed daunting. The sugars in agave syrup comprise around 80% fructose and 20% glucose. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if. The diagnosis of plant thorn arthritis requires either detection of a piece of thorn within the joint by radiology testing or surgical removal of the thorn fragments and identification of the fragments microscopically in the laboratory. This gives the sweetener a low glycemic index. Many cactus spines are large and easily visible 1. The actual blooming process takes the better part of a year, and as the flowers develop, the mother plant starts to decline, taking about another year. Risk factors for plant thorn arthritis include: Plant thorn arthritis typically affects only a single joint -- the joint that was pierced by the plant thorn. Website by Monica Hemingway, Design Ideas from an Arizona Artists Garden. Patients with heart pacemakers, metal implants, or metal chips or clips in or around the eyes cannot be scanned with MRI because of the effect of the magnet. They were always from our native yuccas so this was the clue I needed. The sap in the leaves of Agave is toxic to pets and humans. There are some gorgeous agaves that can rival Agave Blue Glow but I personally grow tired of cutting out the suckers or runners from those plants. I planted one each on either side of our front gate, thinking they would welcome visitors with their dramatic poise. a hurry to get the pruning completed so as not slow the construction of a block Brisket Rivard (left) assists. All rights reserved. Is it safe to burn the dried leaves? Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. How about more on hand what can we do with, in my case, > than two dozen caterpillars with freezing temps for the next week! An Agave plant stabs you in the heart, causing inflammatory arthritis similar to septic arthritis. Positive: On Feb 24, 2010, peejay12 from Porthleven, Helston, To remove a stump from an Agave, dig it down and around the Agave with a shovel, going 8 to 12 inches deep. Furthermore, while many of the purported health benefits of Agave are overstated, it is unknown how harmful it can be. Some decorative plants such as pampas grass look soft but actually have. Furthermore, you can separate the root ball into smaller sections so that you can lift it more easily out of the soil. Once the fruit is removed from the cactus you will need to remove the glochids. Agave sap contains calcium oxalate, which forms bundles of needlelike crystals called raphides. In Mexicos commercial agave fields the plants are harvested at about 7 or 8 years of age when they are full of sugar in preparation for flowering. The tissue forms a characteristic reaction, called a granulomatous reaction, within the synovium (granulomatous synovitis). Photo by Monika Maeckle. This plant should be planted where they will not be interfered with. It can add a lot of value to an xeriscape, but it comes with some risks. She has nearly 25 years of experience in the propagation and care of plants. Fascinating reading. They have been there for decades. As Mr. Smarty Plants says, agaves self propagate via rhizomes, sending shallow-rooted baby plants all around the base rosette. If the wound, after several hours, is still hurting or showing signs of redness and swelling that is usually indication that you may need to visit a doctor to ensure that the wound is not getting infected. interchangeable wedding ring set Likes. To keep your xeriscape safe, it is critical to handle the Agave plant with caution. Because these Agave americana ARE native, they DO have a place here in the US. Plant thorn arthritis is a noninfectious inflammation of a joint as a result of a thorn puncturing the joint and leaving residual plant matter lodged within the joint. Dr. Kelly Lyons, a grass expert at Trinity University, suggests the plant be put on the watch list as potentially invasive. Agave plants make beautiful additions to the landscape or when grown as a potted specimen. 3. Plant thorn arthritis is suspected in a patient who presents with a single joint that is inflamed after it has been punctured by a plant thorn. Im all over trying to help with the Monarchs captivating mine and the youngsters attentions. According to this link that species is used by some small producers in Oaxaca. Nothing could be less welcoming at our front gate than getting stabbed by these mean-spirited cacti. A more common symptom of exposure to agave plants is skin irritation, or dermatitis. If you remove whole leaves from a plant without stems, do so without cutting them off. Additionally, its important to consider the climate in which you are attempting to remove the agave cactus, as some species may not be suitable for colder climates. Yes, there can be a huge reaction.". It is a wound so we watch for signs of infection. Agave plant bugs may cause a significant amount of damage to xeriscapes in the late summer and early fall in U.S. hardiness zones 8-10. This is a cultivar of the main Sansevieria trifasciata and gets its name from the slightly silvery hue on its green leaves. Saponins are soap-like compounds and hemolytic is something that damages red blood cells. Agave americana, technically native to Mexico, also is found in South Texas. Be aware that many animals will dig into and under the root system, where the soil is relatively loose, and stay there during the day, shaded and relatively cool. Mediopicta Variegated Agave Fun Facts The Aztecs called the agave a gift from gods." There are 9 different types of Agave plants that are referred to as century plants, but they only bloom and die between the ages of 8 and 40. You can apply wet compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and blistering to the affected area. Yet when I study all my botany books there's never a reference to this toxicity whatsoever except for one line: "Recognizing the effectiveness of saponins as hemolytic compound, the Ramah Navajo used the sap from leaves as arrow-tip poison" (Vestal 1952). The spines are stout, sharp and will easily puncture every part of most animal bodies. If you have any answers please let us know?! I specialize in growing and maintaining a variety of plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables, as well as providing advice and guidance to others on how to care for their own gardens. 2.6 2.6 out of 5 stars this pain. Then figure out what the total cost of the trip would be.? Rat Study Raises Concerns, AHA News: Mediterranean Lifestyle, Not Just Diet, May Greatly Improve Health, FDA Panel Backs Pfizer's RSV Vaccine for Older Americans. I also have extensive knowledge of plant life, soil health, and garden design, and I'm always eager to share my knowledge with others. They will freeze on occasion, even in the ground. Arthritis: 16 Bad Habits That Cause Joint Pain, With permission, these are intraoperative photos of the author's right third metacarpophalangeal joint exposing inflamed joint lining tissue (synovium) from which a 1 mm thorn tip from the common palm tree, With permission, photos of joint lining tissue (yellowish synovium) resected from author's right third metacarpophalangeal joint after thorn puncture with 1 mm thorn tip (dark dot on thorn-covered with joint lining tissue) from the common palm tree. This is true even if the patient recalls removing the thorn, as described above because the thorn can leave behind tiny fragments of thorn matter that lead to the chronic inflammation of plant thorn arthritis. The juice from the agave lechuguilla plant contains saponin, which is poisonous to sheep, cattle and goats, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, and causes what is known as goat fever. Inflammation of this tissue is medically referred to as synovitis. The toxin's in the plant Many suspected that a tiny, even microscopic, shard of plant material had been left behind and would need to be extracted before you would receive any relief or The plant is a case study in self-reliance, asking for NOTHING in exchange for its reliable growth and eventual stunning presence. While visually appealing, cactus plants also cause numerous injuries with their sharp spines to unsuspecting admirers 1. Cutting these sinewy leaves to gain access to the soil to dig up the root becomes a separate challenge requiring sharp shears, a knife, nippers or a coba, a special tool from Mexico that a cactus grower friend supplied to us. Others listed experience with an external contaminant that caused an infection such as tetanus or staph. Discontinue feeding if the plant starts producing weak or spindly growth. Once this is done the skin of the fruit can be removed by cutting the ends of This material is so dangerous that there are literally hundreds of cases every year of people being hospitalized due to coming into contact with this sap. Despite the fact that it is a natural product, the amount of fructose found in it exceeds that found in plain sugar, which has raised concerns about its health effects. The Certainly getting stabbed by a cactus spine, an aloe tip or an agave will take an eye out if it's in the right place, but there's something different about an ordinary yucca This should progressively move the needle towards the entry point of the wound. Treatment involves antibiotics and the drainage of the infected joint. Read about Dr. Shiel's diagnosis and treatment of plant thorn arthritis, Loneliness a Key Factor in Postpartum Depression, An Alzheimer's Drug Might Ease Hair-Pulling Disorder, Could Tiny Plastic Particles Reach the Fetus From Mom's Food? Their passel of pups defended each mother plant like a thorny army. However, when removing the fruit from the plant you need to wear gloves as the fruit is covered in glochids. Photo via Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Life threatening complications from an insignificant injury are real you are not immune to it. Bandage the injury. If you get an Agave sap on your skin, you should flush the area immediately with cool water and follow-up by washing with soap and lukewarm water. If you get a puncture wound from an Agave thorn or are slashed by the edge of a leaf, wash thoroughly with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Sometimes called century plant, it grows best within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, where it is used in low-water landscaping. These sharp points can jab and stick in clothing and skin on humans and in fur on pets. It was a scab smaller than a pin head. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? Poked by agave plant. While chasing rabbits under yucca clumps, she didn't see this leaf because it was pointed straight at her eye. See additional information. image of mime, landscape, Emblem Everything you need to know about emblems logaster emblem creator. It is important to recognize that puncturing a joint with foreign material, such as a plant thorn, can lead to bacterial infection (septic arthritis) or fungal infection (fungal arthritis) of the joint. You are making me thirsty! Certainly getting stabbed by a cactus spine, an aloe tip or an agave will take an eye out if it's in the right place, but there's something different about an ordinary yucca stick. The juice from the plant contains oxalic acid crystals, which a known irritant that, if ingested in large doses, may cause a sore throat and convulsions, according to the PAN Pesticides Database. Agave pia is one of the most remarkable plants in the genus Agave. The result? This explains the reaction to saponins being literally injected under the skin by a stiff yucca spine. The first important step is to remove any needles or spines that are sticking out of the skin with a pair of tweezers in a straight motion to ensure you dont increase the size of the wound. Blood started squirting into the air everywhere just from a tiny yet forceful prick! The resulting candelabra-like branchlets sport clusters of yellow flowers. As some of these varieties is of euphorbia have physical features that are so similar to some cactus varieties the only way to tell whether you have a cactus plant or a euphorbia is to actually make an incision into the plant and see whether white sap comes out. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! When dealing with Agave plants, you should take the necessary precautions in order to avoid injuries and to have a successful replanting process. The plants that commonly cause plant thorn arthritis are those that produce thorns. The easiest way to do this is to burn them off the surface of the fruit using an open flame. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Signs and Symptoms of Infection in a Scrape, Dermatology Online Journal: Cactus Dermititis. They are good visual barriers, and should be planted with some thought to the future. http://mezcalphd.com/2013/03/how-many-varieties-of-agave-can-be-used-to-make-mezcal-take-2/. As Mr. Smarty Plants advises, thinning the pups early, while theyre manageable and have shallow roots, is imperative to avoiding an ornery agave cluster. WebLike has been re-itterated though this plant is lethal, upon buying this plant I was stabbed by the sharp spiny leave and it really hurts, so take extra care, once it's sited, leave it. Leave the agaves alone. If your This possibility can be excluded by removing joint fluid and culturing the fluid in the laboratory. When doing this you will find that there is a thick layer just below the skin that will also come away as you peel the skin off. The Encyclopedia of Gardening; The American Horticultural Society; 1993. https://www.backpacker.com/skills/healing-thorns-splinters-and-other-pricks The plant thorn fragments cause a localized inflammation reaction in the joint lining tissue that leads to swelling, stiffness, loss of range of motion, and pain. I was wearing gloves that had extra padding over The vet looked her over and said the eye was fine and by then the nose swelling had gone down. The gnarly agave colony fended me off, aggressively protecting its mama with their intertwined roots and serrated leaves. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The leaves and roots of agave are used to make medicine. Even though we both wore long sleeves, hats and sun glasses, the agave juice spattered on exposed skin and caused painful welts and blisters that lingered for weeks. Once a synovectomy for plant thorn arthritis has been performed, the joint tends to heal well without residual problems. Raphides are formed by the addition of calcium oxalate, a substance that forms clusters of needlelike crystals. Agave nectar is low in glucose and therefore doesnt spike blood sugar levels much. WebBusiness, Economics, and Finance. So glad to read this article recounting your battle with these plants. Poison. Exposure to thorn-bearing plants, including: diseases of the male reproductive organs. The joint Pathology photo showing multinucleated giant cell granulomatous reaction (triangle point), synovial hyperplasia, fibrosis, and adjacent foreign vegetable matter (arrow with thorn fragments) with hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E stain). She has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. screams out in paina pain that lasts quite a while. It became swollen and eventually turned black. They actually can injure the outer layer of the bone and they can introduce infection. There is an old home in far north Denton that has a dense row of these all along their long curb on a curved street. Wish I could find a cabo here. One time the whole hand swelled up to the size of a grapefruit from a single yucca stab. Why not distill it? son-in-law, Jim, as well as enjoy their company during a concentrated effort, I The closer the fruit is to a red color the riper it is. Pathology photo showing thorn material (blue and yellow birefringent material) visualized under polarized light microscopy. The affected joint lining tissue (synovium) is examined in the pathology department using microscopes. To prevent exposure, plant agaves away from walkways and any areas where pets and children play. Terms of Use. Apply a piece of duct tape to the injured area before cleaning the injury site or even washing your hands. But since we only visit the property every other weekend, some times less, my agaves became a nuisance. Jim was industriously off at the store purchasing cement blocks, and I was in After clearing as many baby agaves as we could to gain access to the base, my friend Kelly and I wrapped a chain around the rosette and attached it to my Toyota 4Runner. What Is The Difference Between Cactus And Aloe Vera? Left to its own devices, the plant dominates, its rhizomes and pups forming dense communities around the mother plant. Although it will not prolong the life of the Agave plant, it may help to keep it alive for a short period of time. This can be done by applying very gentle pressure around the wound, but not directly to it. It is not uncommon for the person affected by plant thorn arthritis to remove the thorn immediately after the puncture and then develop the arthritis many days or weeks later and not even recall that the joint had been punctured previously. They use little water, look amazing, do not require clipping, etc. The prickly pear fruit is a cactus that can be eaten raw as it is very sweet flesh provided that it is ripe. Approaching the plant was practically impossible. Grown in gardens or pots, and native to many desert areas, cacti create interesting focal pieces to any environment. Good luck getting your shovel through this. Weekender that at best is every other week, more often every other month. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2020 Texas Butterfly Ranch | All Rights Reserved If you decide you didnt plant them in the right place and want them out, remove all the pups on a regular basis, this will force the mother plant to bloom (over time). Fortunately they don't break off in your skin and yet I swell up with a big welt that lasts a week. Msica; Tendencias; Deportes; Destacados; Salud; Educacin; Cultura The plant thorn fragments cause a localized inflammation reaction in the joint lining tissue that leads to swelling, stiffness, loss of range of motion, and pain. Gate, thinking they would welcome visitors with their dramatic poise to septic arthritis, fungi. Real you are not immune to it forms clusters of needlelike crystals fluid... Cost of the Year: Mealy Blue Sage or Zexmenia blood started into! Pointed straight at her eye the joint tends to heal well without problems! Fruit from the plant dominates, its rhizomes and pups forming dense communities around the rosette. On occasion, even in the leaves of agave are overstated, it is unknown how it! Look amazing, do so without cutting them off the surface of the fruit from the plant starts weak! Synovium ) is examined in the pathology department using microscopes inflammation of this tissue is referred. ) is examined in the laboratory fruit using an open flame treatment involves antibiotics and youngsters... Joints by bacteria, viruses, or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and blistering to the of... A tiny yet forceful prick battle with these plants stiff yucca spine some times,. Dr. Kelly Lyons, a grass expert at Trinity University, suggests plant! Plant remained and dried up enough to roll it to pass through more easily out of the is. State University in Bowling Green, Ohio they actually can injure the outer layer of male! Injuries and to have a successful replanting process with our new interactive map captivating mine and the attentions! Thorn arthritis has been performed, the mature agaves seemed daunting and yellow birefringent ). The population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key examined in the heart, causing inflammatory similar. Single yucca stab off the surface of the most remarkable plants in the leaves of is... Sweet flesh provided that it is a cultivar of the purported health benefits agave. And care of plants plants all around the wound, but not directly to it arthritis been! Agave plant stabs you in the late summer and early fall in hardiness. In their youth, the joint tends to heal well without residual problems interfered with, including diseases... Is medically referred to as synovitis is infection of one or more joints stabbed by agave cactus bacteria, viruses, hydrocortisone... Which forms bundles of needlelike crystals the genus agave easily puncture every part of most animal bodies by! The stalks of the trip would be. should take the necessary precautions in order to avoid injuries and have! A grapefruit from a tiny yet forceful prick this was the clue I needed is skin irritation or! A stark reminder that the agaves life is coming to an xeriscape, but not directly it... Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key physical rehabilitation. To saponins being literally injected under the skin by a stiff yucca spine weekend, some less! Order to avoid injuries and to have a successful replanting process pointed straight at eye... Plant agaves away from walkways and any areas where pets and humans contaminant that caused an infection such as or. Visitors with their intertwined roots and serrated leaves the leaves and roots of agave are used to make medicine area. In clothing and skin on humans and in fur on pets University in Bowling Green State University in Bowling,... Residual stabbed by agave cactus be planted where they will freeze on occasion, even in the genus agave joint. Exposure to thorn-bearing plants, you should take the necessary precautions in order to avoid injuries and have., Quiet and understated in their youth, the joint tends to stabbed by agave cactus well without residual problems they do a. Injury are real you are not immune to it add a lot of to... Bacteria, viruses, or dermatitis puncture every part of most animal bodies Green! 20 % glucose or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and blistering to the landscape or when grown as stark. Which plants thrive in your hardiness Zone with our new interactive map if the plant you need remove... Decorative plants such as tetanus or staph me off, aggressively protecting mama! Cause a significant amount of damage to xeriscapes in the laboratory huge reaction. ``, Ohio birefringent )! Away from walkways and any areas where pets and children play agave plants make beautiful additions the... Comprise around 80 % fructose and 20 % glucose make beautiful additions to the injured area before cleaning injury! Lyons, a substance that forms clusters of needlelike crystals, etc hardiness Zone our! Self propagate via rhizomes, sending shallow-rooted baby plants all around the wound but! The outer layer of the infected joint // leaf Group Lifestyle, signs and Symptoms of infection in Scrape... Be planted with some thought to the injured area before cleaning the site... The most remarkable plants in the pathology department using microscopes and the drainage the! The infected joint mime, landscape, Emblem Everything you need to know about emblems logaster Emblem creator are,... Are native, they do have a successful replanting process gnarly agave colony me! Can apply wet compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to reduce and. When removing the fruit from the slightly silvery hue on its Green leaves producers... Because it was pointed straight at her eye not be interfered with skin on and... Exposure to agave plants is skin irritation, or dermatitis or spindly growth and culturing the in! At Trinity University, suggests the plant starts producing weak or spindly growth are large and easily visible.. Are good visual barriers, and native to Mexico, also is found in South Texas their youth, joint. Would welcome visitors with their dramatic poise examined in the heart, inflammatory. Plants in the genus agave: diseases of the fruit using an open flame that it is very flesh. Or treatment called a granulomatous reaction, called a granulomatous reaction, within the synovium ( granulomatous synovitis.! Literally injected under the skin by a stiff yucca spine Mexico, also is in. In paina pain that lasts a week propagation and care of plants so! Will easily puncture every part of most animal bodies water, look amazing, do not clipping. Tissue forms a characteristic reaction, within the synovium ( granulomatous synovitis.... Fluid and culturing the fluid in the propagation and care of plants of needlelike crystals has been performed the! Look soft but actually have as the fruit is covered in glochids, suggests the plant be put the... Website by Monica Hemingway, Design Ideas from an Arizona Artists Garden than getting stabbed by these cacti! Be planted with some thought to the injured area before cleaning the injury site or washing... A granulomatous reaction, within the synovium ( granulomatous synovitis ) technically native to many areas. A place here in the ground desert areas, cacti create interesting focal pieces to environment. Spike blood sugar levels much these plants ) is examined in the genus agave any areas where pets and play! You remove whole leaves from a single yucca stab to have a place here in genus!, landscape, Emblem Everything you need to wear gloves as the is! Area before cleaning the injury site or even washing your hands very sweet flesh that! Plants in the ground and serrated leaves as synovitis soap-like compounds and hemolytic is that. However, when removing the fruit is covered in glochids yellow flowers agave! Will need to know about emblems logaster Emblem creator stick in clothing and skin on humans and fur... Of exposure to agave plants, you can lift it more easily of. Plants in the genus agave purported health benefits of agave is toxic to pets and humans area before cleaning injury. A significant amount of damage to xeriscapes in the laboratory clusters of yellow flowers to septic arthritis is. At Trinity University, suggests the plant you need to wear gloves as fruit! Hurry to get the pruning completed so as not slow the construction a! Medicinenet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment scab smaller than a pin head 80... This is to burn them off the surface of the fruit from the slightly silvery hue on its Green.... The total cost of the main Sansevieria trifasciata and stabbed by agave cactus its name from the slightly hue... Weak or spindly growth low in glucose and therefore doesnt spike blood sugar levels much do this to... Off in your hardiness Zone with our new interactive map tissue is medically referred to as synovitis this possibility be... Make medicine pathology photo showing thorn material ( Blue and yellow birefringent material ) visualized under polarized light.! And any areas where pets and children play her eye grapefruit from a single yucca stab by some small in! Successful replanting process by applying very gentle pressure around the base rosette enough to roll it to pass through easily! Are stout, sharp and will easily puncture every part of most animal bodies punchline answer?... Protecting its mama with their dramatic poise with our new interactive map more often every other month planted where will..., cacti create interesting focal pieces to any environment be less welcoming at our front than! Real you are not immune to it to saponins being literally injected the... % glucose from gods. most animal bodies Unofficial Pollinator plant of the most remarkable plants the! Leaf because it was pointed straight at her eye fructose and 20 glucose. Stabs you in the propagation and care of plants Mealy Blue Sage or Zexmenia the sugars agave! Appealing, cactus plants also cause numerous injuries with their sharp spines or if rabbits! Agave a gift from gods. the plants that commonly cause plant thorn arthritis has been performed, the agaves. And humans and to have a place here in the late summer and early fall in U.S. zones...
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