Consumption of Dieffenbachia is somewhat self regulating. It's 'toxic' effects are primarly a stinging and burning sensation on soft tissues in the mouth, throat, and esophagus and accompanying swelling caused by calcium oxalate crystals. If you were able to tolerate the very unpleasant & somewhat painful symptoms while continuing to consume the plant, you may experience enough swelling to choke off an airway. And finally, if you continued to eat it and consumed several pounds worth, you may suffer from renal failure due to oxalate poisoning. Simon
Good response. The real key is the eating several pounds! There is a good discussion about oxalate crystals on this board here: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=24073&highlight=oxalate+crystals Lots of people like to argue about this plant component and if you look it up on the net you'll quickly be told it is a "deadly poison". But it just ain't so unless you're willing to eat lots and lots of it! Many pet websites go on and on about oxalate crystals with little to no scientific background.
