Is Zulu potato poisonous to dogs or cats?

Zulu potato

  • Scientific Name: Bowiea volubilis
  • Also Known As: Zulu potato, climbing onion
  • Is It Toxic? Yes
  • Toxins: Bufadienolide cardiotoxins: bovicide A, B, C, and D, hellebrin; entire plant and bulb
  • Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia, arrhythmias, conduction defects, Ca 2+-binding hyperkalemia, seizure agents reduce lethality
  • Toxic Parts:
  • General:

Zulu potato (Bowiea volubilis) is a bulb plant that is poisonous to dogs and cats. The toxin in this plant is a bufadienolide called bovicide A. Bovicide A blocks the Na +/+ K +/+ ATPase pump, which is usually associated with myocardial ischemia. If your pet ingests this plant, please see a veterinarian immediately.

What is Zulu potato?

The Zulu potato is a poisonous member of the Asparagaceae family of plants called “Asparagus.” It is also known as asparagus fern and asparagus spear, and is native to southern Africa. The plant has a perennial rhizome that sends up to four stems that grow to a height of 20-50 cm (8-19 in). The leaves are spirally arranged, 20-40 cm (8-16 in) long and 2-5 cm (0.8-2.0 in) wide. The flowers are borne on tall stalks that are erect to pendent. The fruits are club-shaped achenes. The common names of Zulu potato are Zulu potato and asparagus spear.