Established suburbs and residential areas are usually littered with syringa trees (seringboom) brightening streets up with its fragrant blossoms, but the cultivar’s berries are poisonous to animals and children.
According to Dr Elizna Boag, Afrivet’s executive of companion animals, consumption of these berries should be avoided at all costs and where possible the plants should be removed from properties.
“Syringa is an invasive tree that disrupts indigenous vegetation,” she said. “The cultivar was imported from India as an ornamental plant due to its flowers and scent. Sadly, the tree produces yellow-brown, wrinkled berries which are bitter and contain highly toxic melia toxins.”
Boag continues the bitterness of the berries often prevents consumption in large quantities, but even a few berries are toxic to humans and dogs.
Signs of poisoning include vomiting and salivation, severe abdominal pain followed by diarrhoea and respiratory distress.
“Following these initial signs, nervous system-related symptoms start,” she said. “Signs of neurological effects include lack of coordination, restlessness, muscle trembling as well as seizures which could lead to loss of consciousness or death.”
Humans usually recover from the toxins, but animals are affected more severely.
There is no specific treatment for syringa poisoning.
Children and dogs can be hospitalised and given supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids and sedatives to prevent convulsions. “Activated charcoal can be given immediately to bind toxins before patients are taken for medical care,” said Boag.
“The best prevention is to cut down all syringa trees and to educate others about the dangers of this tree.”
“Education is key, as the risk for children is extremely high.”
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