Download The Dangers of Cycads - Australian Bulldog Society

Ad Hoc Notes (17)
The Dangers of Cycads
Also Known as Dinosaur Palms, Sago Palms, Sago Cycad, and Cycas Revoluta.
These are quite commonly grown and are extremely toxic and palatably attractive to animals. Australia has many
native cycads. They thrive in tropical and subtropical areas that have moderate to high rainfall. People grow them
for their attractive landscaping quality; many also have them as an attractive indoor plant in areas with a cooler
climate. Some varieties are also drought resistant.
They are very similar to palms or tree ferns. They are symmetrical in appearance; tend to have a soft, thick
trunk, and a crown of large divided dark green shiny leaves. There are both male and female varieties. Their
reproductive structures are borne on separate plants. The males produce pollen in cones whilst the female
species produce large, brightly coloured seeds on the edges of leaf like structures.
Unfortunately many people believe it’s just the seeds that are toxic, this is not the case as all of the plant contains
the toxins. It is primarily Cycasin but also Beta-methylamino L-alanine (this is a neurotoxin). However, the nuts
and young leave contain the highest quantity of cycasin.
Poisoning Symptoms:
The signs of poisoning usually develop within 12 hours of ingestion.
They include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and seizures, liver failure, nose bleeds and blood in faeces, can also
result in death.
Should poisoning occur please seek immediate veterinary assistance as it will be your pets only chance for
survival.
See next page for photos (sourced from various internet sites.
Ad Hoc Notes (17)
... Page 1
Ad Hoc Notes (17)
... Page 2