If you have a pet, you probably know about the toxic effects of Abrus precatorius (the Rosary pea) and Abrus fatua (the false indigo). The seeds of the Rosary pea are toxic and can cause death. The toxin that is found in Rosary pea is a protein that stops protein synthesis in body cells. It acts a poison by creating holes in the wall of cells, preventing protein from forming. The symptoms of Rosary pea poisoning in pets are severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, and bleeding from the eyes, mouth, and skin.
What is Rosary pea?
Rose-of-Sharon, also known as Rosary Pea, is a perennial plant. It has white flowers and the mature fruit is a flat pod containing many small seeds. Rose of Sharon, also known as Rosary pea, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the legume (bean) family. It is native to Asia but is found throughout Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.