Anemona x hybrida
Japanese windflower
Erect branching herb with stems up to 1m tall. Soft and downy with thin hairs. Leaves are arranged in threes, much toothed and lobed, basal leaves lobed or divided while upper leaf form an involucre from which come pink, rosy or white flowers on long peduncles. Sepals in 1-3 whorls up to 8cm in diameter. The fruit is a silky achene.
There are several species of anenome in NZ; all are probably poisonous.
Normally found growing in gardens but may escape and persist.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of the glycoside ranunculin releases gamma lactone protoanemonin toxin (as in buttercups), which irritates the mucous membranes and causes inflammation of the intestinal tract. Poisonous principle not active when the plant is dried.
A risk to grazing livestock. No recorded poisonings in New Zealand.
Inflammation of mucous membranes, May include colic, salivation, blackened faeces, haematuria and blindness.
Irritation and enteritis of small intestine and abomasum. Diffuse patches of inflammation in the wall of the rumen. Pulmonary oedema and congestion.
History and clinical signs.
Other members of the family Ranunculacaea. Melaena can be caused by aflatoxins, arsenic and other metal toxicity. Salivation will occur in most animals with an enteric irritation. Ammonia, mercury, organophosphates, slaframine.
Unknown. Supportive therapy.
Some anemones are known to be very toxic with a guarded prognosis however no poisonings have been known to occur in New Zealand.
Avoid grazing plants. Use weed control measures.
Conner H.E. The Poisonous Plants In New Zealand. 1992. GP Publications Ltd, Wellington
Cooper M R, Johnson A W. Poisonous Plants and Fungi in Britan: Animals and Human Poisoning. Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. London. 1998
Parton K, Bruere A.N. and Chambers J.P. Veterinary Clinical Toxicology, 2nd ed. 2001. Veterinary Continuing Education Publication No. 208
4 October, 2007
