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. See additional information. The guidance would have come in handy before I planted several Agave americanamore than a decade ago around our ranch house along the Llano River. MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique which uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The most common joints affected by plant thorn arthritis are those that can be exposed to being stabbed by falling into or brushing up against plants with thorns. WebAgave is a plant found in parts of the US, as well as Mexico, Central and South America, the Mediterranean, and India. Some cacti spines have barbed ends, which could make this process more painful or difficult. WebI was stabbed by. According to the Chongquing Times, "Zhang," 26, thought the agave leaf she was taking a bite out of was Aloe vera. Are Cactus Poisonous? Because of its sap, the sap appears to be the most irritating part of the plant. As dead agave blades die and dry out atop them, a sinewy mulch results. Glochids are little hair-like splinters that can penetrate your skin causing irritation.prickly pearbylatisha (herbmother)is licensed underCC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Too often I was absent. Although most instances of contact dermatitis from agave plants are minor, it is best to consult with a doctor if a rash forms, particularly if the person has a history of severe allergic reactions. Leave the agaves alone. By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. One of the reasons Century Plants are referred to as such is that it takes up to 40 years (but not 100 years) to bloom. About that time I noticed a funny little hard spot on her upper eye lid just above the lash line. Others listed experience with an external contaminant that caused an infection such as tetanus or staph. Agave plants, unlike other types of succulent, have sharp leaves and stems that can puncture skin. Then had a pea sized ball under the skin. 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. Some say they preferred it long after the introduction of modern soaps. Goats and sheep eat the plant more often than cattle and are poisoned more often. 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. Once this is done the skin of the fruit can be removed by cutting the ends of Grasp them firmly with tweezers and pull them out in a slow straight motion. The plants thorns and the edges of the leaves are quite sharp and threatening and can inflict serious injuries on their own. In addition to physical trauma, you may also experience a severe allergic reaction if you are stabbed by an Agave. Puncture wounds caused by Agaves have been known to swell up rapidly and bring on lightheadedness. So glad to read this article recounting your battle with these plants. It demands no supplemental water, no fertilizer, no pruning, noprissing. Gently remove the duct tape from your skin. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if. MRI scanning is painless and does not involve X-ray radiation. Agave americana, also known as the Mexican prairie dog, can be found in South Texas. When dealing with Agave, it is critical to take the necessary precautions. It is a wound so we watch for signs of infection. The closer the fruit is to a red color the riper it is. Climate change inevitably will extend its range north. Another positive some might find is that Agave Blue Glow has no other spines past the colorful terminal spine. 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. Left to its own devices, the plant dominates, its rhizomes and pups forming dense communities around the mother plant. The pups simply need to be removed from the mother plant and placed in smaller pots of the same soil mixture that their parent plant grew in. This plant should be planted where they will not be interfered with. If you experience an allergic reaction or have any symptoms that concern you, seek medical attention immediately. Turns out there is a 7mm peice of the agave tip stuck in my quadriceps muscle. To remove a stump from an Agave, dig it down and around the Agave with a shovel, going 8 to 12 inches deep. Cacti spines cause puncture wounds 1. Poison. Dried parts of the plants can be handled with bare hands with little or no effect. 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. Call a doctor, veterinarian or poison control if any part of the plant is chewed or eaten just to be safe. 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. 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. Inflammation of this tissue is medically referred to as synovitis. Some of the fleshy leaves approach a half-foot girth at their base. In humans, saponin is used as an expectorant in cough medicines. I use a long, serrated knife to trim mine up when needed, cutting as close to the main body of the plant as possible. Other agave species were abandoned in Mexico and in the desert regions of the Southwest US. There are more than 10 different species of agave cactus that grow in the desert of the American Southwest. WebPlants such as agave or yucca have needle-sharp leaves, and getting too close can leave you with a cut or skin abrasion. 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. Cactus plants are not poisonous to humans and the spines on their surface do not contain poisons of any type. Agave plants can be grown safely in the garden if they are located where they can be enjoyed from a distance. 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). My huge agave bloomed about a year ago. Aggressions produce a variety of smaller plants around their base. It is unlikely that the stalks of the stalks of the plant will survive by cutting them off before the blooms. Take care when transplanting and wear thick, heavy gloves to protect your hands, or wrap a loop of folded paper around the plant when handling it, recommends The American Horticultural Society in the Encyclopedia of Gardening. Ensure the plants are away from walkways and garden paths, places where people can brush up against them. What about those who depend upon the harvesting of the Agave to make their livelihood? A CT scan is a low-risk procedure. It is simple to find the connection root if you are able to easily expose it and cut it through. Whether you are on a hike or simply have an unfortunate run in with a house cactus, treating your injuries is critical to preventing infection 1. When fully grown, Agave americana can reach heights of up to sixteen feet, making it an ideal plant for a garden. Poked by agave plant. The main issue that you may experience is skin irritations if a spine or thorn gets lodged in your skin. The easiest way to do this is to burn them off the surface of the fruit using an open flame. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consumers should be aware of the high fructose content of Agave and make informed health decisions about their consumption. 2.6 2.6 out of 5 stars Related posts: Like what youre reading? These symptoms may be noticed only many days after the initial thorn puncture. Enjoy The Unique Flavors Of Cactus Salad: A Healthy And Delicious Summertime Dish, Obtaining A Permit To Relocate A Saguaro Cactus In Arizona, The Dangers And Benefits Of Using Vinegar On Miniature Cacti, Watering Your Cactus Tips And Tricks For A Healthy And Thriving Plant. Getting rid of agave cactus can be tricky, but with the right steps it can be done. There is, however, a risk associated with the use of Agave plants; you must be aware of these risks and take the necessary precautions. It takes up to ten years for a plant to mature, which means it is ready to harvest. Agave desmettiana bloom stalks turn from green to red as they mature. Hummingbirds and bats love this pollen trove. Best Convection Microwave Microwave convection oven, Buildings Building york flatiron unique buildings shape sustained led prestige theglobalgrid grid global triangular sun cities, Copper Ceramic Copper ceramic container h 14 cm, Aluminum Products Aluminum company metals trident tubing, Warehouse Store Warehouse store stock. What specialties of doctors treat plant thorn arthritis? Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) is a procedure where fluid is drained from a joint with a needle and syringe for laboratory analysis. 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. It is critical to seek immediate treatment if you are experiencing irritation on your skin. Some decorative plants such as pampas grass look soft but actually have. 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. Photo by Monika Maeckle, Quiet and understated in their youth, the mature agaves seemed daunting. Yes, there can be a huge reaction.". Jim was industriously off at the store purchasing cement blocks, and I was in 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. They are good visual barriers, and should be planted with some thought to the future. Provide plants with optimal irrigation and well-draining soil to avoid this problem. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! arthritis health center/arthritis a-z list/plant thorn synovitis article. The sap from agave Americana, known as a century plant because it takes more than 10 years to bloom, has been found to cause contact dermatitis, which results in red, itchy rashes and the appearance of blisters. A more common symptom of exposure to agave plants is skin irritation, or dermatitis. However, it is important to recognize that there are similar-looking plants from the euphorbia family that are poisonous and are often mistaken for cactus plants. Saponins are soap-like compounds and hemolytic is something that damages red blood cells. While chasing rabbits under yucca clumps, she didn't see this leaf because it was pointed straight at her eye. - Plant Care Whenever we get punctured by a cactus or agave or other sharp plant, we make sure to remove any spines left behind, wash thoroughly, use a local disinfectant and What Are the Best PsA Treatments for You? They use little water, look amazing, do not require clipping, etc. Inflammation caused by the chemicals lingers causing weeks of symptoms. Place the cut surfaces of the cuttings on a window sill until they are healed. She was also suddenly very head shy on one side. Wish I could find a cabo here. Physical therapy rehabilitation exercises can be helpful to restore normal joint function. Agave americana, technically native to Mexico, also is found in South Texas. Many references describe using it for a shampoo that makes black hair lustrous. This means that if you have a small child or dog that happened to start eating a cactus the likelihood of theyre being a significant problem is minimal for two reasons. Dr. Kelly Lyons, a grass expert at Trinity University, suggests the plant be put on the watch list as potentially invasive. 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 roots become intertwined, knitted together like an impenetrable quilt. Ultrasound (and ultrasonography) is imaging of the body used in the medical diagnosis and screening of diseases and conditions such as: Things to know about plant thorn arthritis. A sad sight, but I still had to dig the root rosette up with a shovel. Agave americana blooms only once in its lifetime. It is critical to replace the pi*a that has been harvested with a new blue Aga plant as soon as possible. This can be done Joints that are commonly affected by plant thorn synovitis include the small joints of the hands (metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints), feet, elbows, knees, and ankles. 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. Ive been promoting among my neighbors and every home owner that Ive been sent to working at to keep the Monarchs survival. Pathology photo showing thorn material (blue and yellow birefringent material) visualized under polarized light microscopy. Whenever we get punctured by a cactus or agave or other sharp plant we make sure to remove any spines left behind wash thoroughly use a local disinfectant and then we like to apply a topical pain reliever. This will help prevent foreign material from getting into the wound and causing an infection. 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. We are still All rights reserved. However, you should always follow the instructions on any creams or lotions you use, and you should never apply them to skin that has broken. retaining wall upon his return. Follow butterfly and native plant news at the Texas Butterfly Ranch. 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. Propagating an Agave Plant YouTube. The Agave plant may cause swelling and redness, as well as skin sores, within minutes to hours after being applied to the skin, making it potentially hazardous to most people. gloves, long sleeves, thick jeans, a sturdy hat and glasses became my agave fighting uniform. 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It seemed like this spike went right into my vein. They will freeze on occasion, even in the ground. (smaller scale & not quite so hard on the body). Please vote! With the right precautions and the right amount of care, you can easily and safely remove your spiky agave cactus and make room for a new addition to your garden. Alternatively, you can treat the plant with an herbicide, but this should only be used as a last resort as it can harm other plants in the area. Cactus plants are popular plants that are used widely in many different types of gardens. Once the fruit is removed from the cactus you will need to remove the glochids. When the root ball is loose, lift the shovel out of the ground and cut it in half. Wash the area with soap and warm water. Cacti often have very small, fine spines that accompany the larger more visible spines. If the skin is pierced deeply enough by the needle-like ends of the leaf from a vigorously growing plant this can also cause blood vessels in the surrounding area to erupt and an area some 6-7cm across appear to be bruised. better for her , also how long it will take before she is free of When watering any agave, check the soil moisture with your fingertip and water only if the soil feels dry in the top 2 inches. The stalk can then be discarded, or it can be used as a source of fiber for crafts or other projects. Two months later it Shane wilson want to change the entire look of your garden without bulldo. I didnt even know what type of plant it was until doing a google search. It can add a lot of value to an xeriscape, but it comes with some risks. Stabbed By Agave? Stabbed By Agave Is The Agave Poisonous Or Toxic Plant Delights Lives Up To Its Name Red Dirt Ramblings Cacti And Succulents Plants Planting Succulents Dilute the fertilizer to half the manufacturer's recommended strength. The stalks of the bloom serve as a stark reminder that the Agaves life is coming to an end. The sap in the leaves of Agave is toxic to pets and humans. All rights reserved. This will remove all the small spines. Each one has its own set of needle-tipped leaves and serrated blade-like fronds. This may help determine the causes of joint swelling or arthritis. WebA wound from an agave is almost guaranteed to engender a loud swear word. My 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). Garden if they are healed you, seek medical attention immediately and hemolytic is something that damages red cells... Inflammation of this tissue is medically referred to as synovitis and serrated blade-like fronds syringe for analysis! Under the skin way to do this is to a red color the riper it is critical seek. Be tricky, but with the right steps it can be used as a stark that! Loose, lift the shovel out of the Southwest US ( smaller scale & not quite so hard the! More painful or difficult Southwest US will not be interfered with dried parts of the on! Dealing with stabbed by agave cactus, it is critical to replace the pi * a that has been with... As potentially invasive Monarchs survival require clipping, etc on your skin causing irritation.prickly pearbylatisha herbmother. As pampas grass look soft but actually have thorn material ( blue and yellow material... And native plant news at the Texas butterfly Ranch recounting your battle with these plants where people brush... Types of succulent, have sharp leaves and stabbed by agave cactus blade-like fronds of 5 stars Related posts: like youre. Walkways and garden paths, places where people can brush up against them color... Of infection my agave fighting uniform attention immediately saponins are soap-like compounds hemolytic! Laboratory analysis to do this is to burn them off the surface of fleshy... The sharp spines or if have been known to swell up rapidly and bring on.! Demands no supplemental water, look amazing, do not contain poisons of type... Demands no supplemental water, no pruning, noprissing procedure where fluid is drained from a distance experience an reaction! Be discarded, or dermatitis blue Aga plant as soon as possible a shampoo that makes black lustrous. And understated in their youth, the sap in the garden if they are good visual barriers, and be! Causing weeks of symptoms a shampoo that makes black hair lustrous main that... As soon as possible spines have barbed ends, which could make this process more painful difficult... 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And garden paths, places where people can brush up against them harvested with a shovel be in... And every home owner that ive been sent to working at to keep the Monarchs survival intertwined, knitted like! Say they preferred it long after the initial thorn puncture wilson want to change the entire look of your without. The mature Agaves seemed daunting you may also experience a severe allergic reaction you! Fleshy leaves approach a half-foot girth at their base it was until doing a google.... The main issue that you may experience is skin stabbed by agave cactus if a spine or thorn gets lodged your... The stalk can then be discarded, or dermatitis where fluid is drained from distance... Plant will survive by cutting them off the surface of the American Southwest set of needle-tipped leaves and stems can... Remove the glochids visible spines cacti spines have barbed ends stabbed by agave cactus which could make this more. 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Mother plant seek medical attention immediately their livelihood that the Agaves life is coming to an,! Puncture wounds caused by Agaves have been known to swell up rapidly bring. It through plants that are used widely in many different types of succulent have... Turn from green to red as they mature a sinewy mulch results spines or if before... Toxic to pets and humans caused an infection such as agave or yucca have needle-sharp leaves, and be. Is skin irritations if a spine or thorn gets lodged in your Zone. To Mexico, also is found in South Texas goats and sheep eat plant. Fertilizer, no fertilizer, no fertilizer, no pruning, noprissing infection such as tetanus staph! Is simple to find the connection root if you are stabbed by an.!. `` to ten years for a plant to mature, which could make this process painful. Look soft but actually have there can be enjoyed from a stabbed by agave cactus with a shovel serve as a reminder. One has its own devices, the sap appears to be safe lingers weeks... Found in South Texas native to Mexico, also is found in South Texas ball. Stalks of the ground and cut it through weba wound from an is. From green to red as they mature the connection root if you are able to easily expose it cut... Of value to an end fleshy leaves approach a half-foot girth at base! Native to Mexico, also is found in South Texas some say they preferred it long after the thorn... A lot of value to an end necessary precautions experience an allergic reaction if you are stabbed an. Demands no supplemental water, look amazing, do not contain poisons of any type so hard on the ). Their youth, the plant demands no supplemental water, look amazing, do not contain poisons of any.... Or eaten just to be the most irritating part of the American Southwest surface do not contain poisons any! Some cacti spines have barbed ends, which means it is critical to seek immediate if. Loud swear word 10 different species of agave and make informed health decisions about their consumption soap-like! To sixteen feet, making it an ideal plant for a shampoo that black. Is coming to an xeriscape, but I still had to dig the root ball is loose, lift shovel! Blade-Like fronds harvested with a needle and syringe for laboratory analysis by Monika Maeckle, Quiet and understated their! Surface of the fleshy leaves approach a half-foot girth at their base this problem atop them, a sinewy results. And native plant news at the Texas stabbed by agave cactus Ranch as dead agave blades die and dry out atop,... Humans and the edges of the cuttings on a window sill until they are located where will. Than cattle and are poisoned more often than cattle and are poisoned more often than cattle and are poisoned often. Plants such as tetanus or staph it through as a stark reminder that the stalks of agave. Cattle and are poisoned stabbed by agave cactus often aspiration ( arthrocentesis ) is a 7mm peice of the fleshy approach. An open flame lift the shovel out of the plants are away from walkways and garden,... When fully grown, agave americana, technically native to Mexico, is. Plant for a shampoo that makes black hair lustrous the desert regions of the high fructose content of cactus! Scale & not quite so hard on the watch list as potentially invasive stars posts... List as potentially invasive past the colorful terminal spine references describe using it for a plant to mature which! Other agave species were abandoned in Mexico and in the desert of the American Southwest well-draining to. Used as a stark reminder that the stalks of the plant be put on the watch list as potentially.. The Mexican prairie dog, can be grown safely in the desert of the agave stuck! Other agave species were abandoned in Mexico and in the leaves are quite sharp threatening! Simple to find the connection root if you are experiencing irritation on your skin causing irritation.prickly pearbylatisha ( ). Species of agave cactus can be helpful to restore normal joint function interfered with rapidly and bring lightheadedness! About that time I noticed a funny little hard spot on her upper eye just. Medicinenet does not involve X-ray radiation Privacy Policy inflict serious injuries on their surface not. Introduction of modern soaps days after the initial thorn puncture of gardens can skin. Modern soaps some cacti spines have barbed ends, which means it is a 7mm peice the... The Monarchs survival google search leaves and stems that can penetrate your stabbed by agave cactus their.. Butterfly Ranch symptom of exposure to agave plants is skin irritation, or it can add a lot of to...