Plumeria poisonous to frogs?

funwithfrogs · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 06:24 PM

im wondering if plumeria is toxic to frogs. I know that it is poisonous for people to ingest. also are there any other plants to strictly stay away from? completely new to frogs so I have minimal information on this subject. Any plant suggestions would be appreciated, especially some of the more exotic plants, as I am setting up my tank largely for the plants, with some frogs as a bonus.

Tindomul1of9 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 07:33 PM

Unless liquids from inside the plant are spilled and contact the frogs, its highly unlikely anything will happen. I don't know anything about this type of plant. If it causes any kind of reaction to your skin, then it is not safe at all.

terrestrial_man · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 07:47 PM

Why bother with Plumerias. These are very tall plants.
But to your thread.
Plumeria is a member of the Apocynaceae, the Milkweed Family. All (?) members of this family are characterized by a latex sap that MAY BE AN IRRITANT to sensitive people. I have no clue if any studies have been done with amphibians but I would rather err on the side of doubt than risk the discovery at the cost of my pets.

Note that there are a lot of plants to which amphibians may have different reactions to. I would suggest that to protect the animals that knowing what plants the animals are found in association with is a good start, if such info is available. Otherwise chat with those who are growing your pets and have plants with them for advise.

I recommend staying away from any plant in the Apocynaceae. There are other plants as well. I will start a thread to list those plants that should NOT be apart of any viv tho they could be used in terraria where there are no animals.

Studdlygoof · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 06:48 AM

along the same lines as this thread...does anyone know of plants that should not be put in with turtles...mine eat everything and i am gonna keep the plants out of their reach but i'm worried about the occasional leaf falling..

terrestrial_man · #5 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Studdlygoof

along the same lines as this thread...does anyone know of plants that should not be put in with turtles...mine eat everything and i am gonna keep the plants out of their reach but i'm worried about the occasional leaf falling..

I do not think you have to worry but I cannot swear on a stack of Bibles on this. The plants that could be hard on amphibians are so because of simple contact with the skin of the amphibian (or of sensitive humans). Most of these kinds of plants have a latex type sap that would be unsavory if bitten into or even have a smell that a reptile would be repelled by. Direct contact with plants that might be bad for amphibians may have no affect on herps at all. But ???

Tindomul1of9 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 02:31 PM

I would avoid any plants of the family Araceae, Aroids when dealing with herbivoures or omnivores. Aroids contain calcium oxalate crystals which when in contact with wounds, or skin like the inside of the mouth, can cause damage. The crystals actually destroy your cells. Your turtle will most likely survive the experience and never touch the plant ever again, but why put it through such an experience. The calcium oxalate is found in the milky sap in Aroids and other plants I believe. Its why they tell you not to have certain kinds of plants when you have dogs and cats. Some people can't even touch the milky sap because they are too sensative to it. Luckyly not me

I love Aroids!
As for frogs, I keeps lots of different kinds of Aroids in my frog tanks. No problems from anyone, so long as you don't purpusefully bread a leaf and drip the sap on your frogs on purpose, everyone should be fine. If you go in there to trim the plants, the sap dries very fast, and what are the chances the frogs will decide to sit on the wounded plant, at the site of the wound?