stabbed by agave cactus
The Encyclopedia of Gardening; The American Horticultural Society; 1993. A systemic fungicide may be used on cactus and succulents such as agave (Agave spp).Specifically, a copper sulfate solution traditionally has been used. All Rights Reserved. Often they don't bleed either. It can help to wear protective clothing, gloves, etc., as well as be cautious when near or working with thorny plants. The microscopic thorn fragments are easily identified using a polarized light microscope as they appear brilliantly shiny (birefringent) to the examining pathologist. patch test. Texas Butterfly Ranch Native Texas Milkweed Guide, A Year in the Life of a Mostly Native Urban Butterfly Garden, http://mezcalphd.com/2013/03/how-many-varieties-of-agave-can-be-used-to-make-mezcal-take-2/, Votes are in! During a synovectomy, the surgeon will remove the affected and surrounding joint lining tissue (synovium) to be certain that microscopic joint fragments within the joint and its lining are eliminated from the body. The most common varieties are the prickly pear which is popular in Mexico and the dragon fruit cactus. If the skin is pierced deeply enough by the needle-like ends of the leaf from a vigorously growing plant this can also cause blood vessels in the surrounding area to erupt and an area some 67 cm across appear to be bruised. How Long Does It Take For Peyote Cactus To Reach Maturity? Apply a piece of duct tape to the injured area before cleaning the injury site or even washing your hands. However, you should always follow the instructions on any creams or lotions you use, and you should never apply them to skin that has broken. Cactus plants are popular plants that are used widely in many different types of gardens. Agave is not without controversy, despite its popularity. Fill in the planting hole around the stems outer edge with existing soil and dig a new one right into it. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if the sap gets on exposed skin. This will help prevent foreign material from getting into the wound and causing an infection. Even though we both wore long sleeves, hats and sun glasses, the agave juice spattered on exposed skin and caused painful welts and blisters that lingered for weeks. Using tweezers, remove the largest spines from the injured area. This gives the sweetener a low glycemic index. Agave pia is one of the most remarkable plants in the genus Agave. Many references describe using it for a shampoo that makes black hair lustrous. After clearing as many baby agaves as we could to gain access to the base, my friend Kelly and I wrapped a chain around the rosette and attached it to my Toyota 4Runner. And clean any wounds no matter how small with peroxide or other disinfectant. Agave americana, technically native to Mexico, also is found in South Texas. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time. When it comes to gardening, one of the most beautiful and exotic plants to add to your outdoor space is the spiky agave cactus. It is a wound so we watch for signs of infection. Why not distill it? To keep your xeriscape safe, it is critical to handle the Agave plant with caution. All the victims survived, but the Agave Junction Cantina stabbing still wasnt great press for the bar. The hole in the ground should be roughly twice the size of the plant, and it is best to use cactus soil with a drainage method. Photo by Monika Maeckle. What is the Difference Between a Cactus And An Agave. In the wild, do not touch the plant with bare skin as the needles can pierce the skin. WebYes, it's possible for agave to get burned depending on the variety as well as the intensity and duration of sunlight it receives. Let there be no mistake:Agave Americana deserves our respect. This means that if you have a small child or dog that happened to start eating a cactus the likelihood of theyre being a significant problem is minimal for two reasons. Then figure out what the total cost of the trip would be.? The puncture holes close immediately and rarely bleed either, so it's hard to find them until they finally scab over. Less chances to poke yourself working around them. The leaves of Agave Americana are barbed and ornery. Approaching the plant was practically impossible. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? However, it is important to recognize that there are similar-looking plants from the euphorbia family that are poisonous and are often mistaken for cactus plants. It lives a dramatic semelparous lifethat is, it enjoys a singular episode of reproduction. The plant thorn fragments cause a localized inflammation reaction in the joint lining tissue that leads to swelling stiffness loss of range of motion and pain. Their passel of pups defended each mother plant like a thorny army. There are hundreds of species of agave, but only one the Weber Azul agave plant makes tequila. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! While chasing rabbits under yucca clumps, she didn't see this leaf because it was pointed straight at her eye. gas and the agave released its grip on the rocks and earth holding it in place. The plant thorn fragments cause a localized inflammation reaction in the joint lining tissue that leads to swelling, stiffness, loss of range of motion, and pain. "I used to transplant yuccas in the high desert when I was a kid. These forms of arthritis require urgent antibiotic treatment. What is the prognosis of plant thorn arthritis? Hummingbirds and bats love this pollen trove. Weekender that at best is every other week, more often every other month. If you get stuck by an agave cactus what happens? Joints that are commonly affected by plant thorn synovitis include the small joints of the hands (metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints), feet, elbows, knees, and ankles. When an Agave plant grows this many babies the mother plant has diffic. I was wearing gloves that had extra padding over I use a long, serrated knife to trim mine up when needed, cutting as close to the main body of the plant as possible. The toxin's in the plant These symptoms may be noticed only many days after the initial thorn puncture. Additionally, its important to consider the climate in which you are attempting to remove the agave cactus, as some species may not be suitable for colder climates. As a result of climate change, its range will inevitably extend northward. When dealing with Agave, it is critical to take the necessary precautions. The most common joints affected by plant thorn arthritis are those that can be exposed to being stabbed by falling into or brushing up against plants with thorns. Their blue-green fleshy leaves, exotic profile and reputation for low maintenance in brutal Texas summers seemed a perfect match for the rocky caliche soil and lack of water at the ranch. The sooner the synovectomy is performed, the better the outcome as chronic joint inflammation can risk damage to the cartilage of the joint. Photo by Monika Maeckle, Quiet and understated in their youth, the mature agaves seemed daunting. In extreme cases where the needle has gone straight down into the skin, it may require you to visit a doctor to help with the removal of the needle. By applying duct tape, you catch the small spines. The sugars in agave syrup comprise around 80% fructose and 20% glucose. Related posts: Like what youre reading? They will freeze on occasion, even in the ground. WebI was stabbed by. WebPlants such as agave or yucca have needle-sharp leaves, and getting too close can leave you with a cut or skin abrasion. It belongs to the genus Agave, and its species are known for having edible flowers, stalks, and sap, in addition to thick and succulent foliage similar to aloe vera. I also have extensive knowledge of plant life, soil health, and garden design, and I'm always eager to share my knowledge with others. The juice from the agave lechuguilla plant contains saponin which is poisonous to sheep cattle and goats according to the United States Department of Agriculture and causes what is known as goat fever. However, in some cases, the needles may be buried below the skin which means that you need to carefully coax the needles toward the entry point of the wound. With four-wheel drive engaged, I stepped on the, Agave graveyard: Discarded Agaves lay on the rocky watershed where they cant make contact with soil and resprout. It describes the plant as having oxalate crystals in its leaves, which can cause extreme irritation. The affected joint lining tissue (synovium) is examined in the pathology department using microscopes. Several mean agave forests that pricked and poked anyone who dared approach. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Classified as a succulent, agave cactus have hard, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. Apply a piece of duct tape to the injured area before cleaning the injury site or even washing your hands. Maybe something in the yucca is a coagulant, so there's very little on my skin to show the wound site. While explaining my toxicity suspicions to Clark Moorten, he agreed that there's something about yucca. After cleaning the area, apply antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a bandage; once the needles Experts caution not to add it to the compost pile, either. While visually appealing, cactus plants also cause numerous injuries with their sharp spines to unsuspecting admirers 1. Be aware that many animals will dig into and under the root system, where the soil is relatively loose, and stay there during the day, shaded and relatively cool. A general-purpose fertilizer with an N-P-K number of 15-15-15 or lower works best. interchangeable wedding ring set Likes. Ive been promoting among my neighbors and every home owner that Ive been sent to working at to keep the Monarchs survival. Lift the ball out of the ground if it becomes loose. Agave plants can be grown safely in the garden if they are located where they can be enjoyed from a distance. The leaves are dried now and come off easily. Alternatively, you can treat the plant with an herbicide, but this should only be used as a last resort as it can harm other plants in the area. With a lifespan between 10 and 30 years, the agave shoots one dramatic stalk yards into the sky. This plant should be planted where they will not be interfered with. The length of a healthy piece of stem should be at least 10 cm and the cut should be cleanly handled with scissors. a hurry to get the pruning completed so as not slow the construction of a block The easiest way to do this is to burn them off the surface of the fruit using an open flame. Pollinator habitat initiative reaches 1,024 gardens and growing. Furthermore, while many of the purported health benefits of Agave are overstated, it is unknown how harmful it can be. Have been struggling to keep pace with the pup removal, which is hard work. What are risk factors for plant thorn arthritis? Agave plants add beauty to landscaping, but they also pose a risk to people and pets with their sharp spines and mildly toxic sap, which can cause a range of symptoms, from swelling to blisters. Shane wilson want to change the entire look of your garden without bulldo. She was also suddenly very head shy on one side. WebBusiness, Economics, and Finance. As soon as you notice any pups or baby offshoots of Agave plants, pull them out. I didnt even know what type of plant it was until doing a google search. Fortunately, agave plants don't require much interaction once they are planted in a suitable site. Many health-conscious consumers consider Agave sweetener to be a natural and healthy alternative to refined sugar. Brisket Rivard (left) assists. You are making me thirsty! There are so many. Photo by Monika Maeckle. I made mistake of planting too many Agave Americana in my backyard five years ago. The unexpected impalement explained the physical reaction too. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? Once this is done the skin of the fruit can be removed by cutting the ends of and then slitting down the side of the fruit. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There is a noticeable difference in how overgrown Agave is treated. Yet when I study all my botany books there's never a reference to this toxicity whatsoever except for one line: "Recognizing the effectiveness of saponins as hemolytic compound, the Ramah Navajo used the sap from leaves as arrow-tip poison" (Vestal 1952). Some species may or may not have stems. Thank you for this advice similar tale at our place. Agave plant sap contains a high concentration of calcium oxylate raphides (microscopic daggers of crystaline oxylate) and other irritating oils. In the wild, do not touch the plant with bare skin as the needles can pierce the skin. If you live in an U.S. hardiness zone 8-10, keep an eye out for Agave plant bugs and take preventive measures to keep your Agaves healthy. Plants such as agave or yucca have needle-sharp leaves and getting too close can leave you with a cut or skin abrasion. However, theyre not the friendliest plants when it comes to pets and young children who can often prick themselves easily when going past them. If youve been stabbed by an Agave plant, wash your wounds with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage to protect your skin. There is no specific medication or home remedy for plant thorn arthritis. It became swollen and eventually turned black. All rights reserved. Pathology photo showing multinucleated giant cell granulomatous reaction (triangle point), synovial hyperplasia, fibrosis, and adjacent foreign vegetable matter (arrow with thorn fragments) with hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E stain). Despite the fact that Agave may be a better alternative to refined sugar, it is not the healthiest choice. Certainly getting stabbed by a cactus spine, an aloe tip or an agave will take an eye out if it's in the right place, but there's something different about an ordinary yucca It is unlikely that the stalks of the stalks of the plant will survive by cutting them off before the blooms. Agave plant bugs may cause a significant amount of damage to xeriscapes in the late summer and early fall in U.S. hardiness zones 8-10. Some of the fleshy leaves approach a half-foot girth at their base. A plant like this must be cared for and nurtured, as well as its adaptability. Some decorative plants such as pampas grass look soft but actually have. Frustrated, one day I convinced my older son Nicolas to get out the chainsaw. However, chronic arthritis eventually develops even long after the plant thorn injury because of the thorn fragments remaining in the joint. Full sun and some tolerance to frost. If your To help lessen the likelihood of an infection, allow the injury to bleed a couple of drops before cleaning it. Mealy Blue Sage wins 2023 Unofficial Pollinator Plant of the Year. We dragged the plant to the agave graveyard on the karst watershed where it could not make contact with soil. Intrigued by this seeming fortress surrounding the agaves, I researched and learned that the thick agave leaves, plump with water, also contain stringy sisal fiber that native peoples and later Westerners used to weave baskets, rugs, ropes and blankets. According to this link that species is used by some small producers in Oaxaca. Blue agave ( Agave tequilana) 4-5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m.) tall and wide. Plant thorn arthritis is suspected in a patient who presents with a single joint that is inflamed after it has been punctured by a plant thorn. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources characterizes agave as being mildly toxic. https://www.backpacker.com/skills/healing-thorns-splinters-and-other-pricks Is it possible to prevent plant thorn arthritis? However, if youve decided to remove the spiky agave cactus from your garden, there are certain steps you need to take in order to ensure that its safely and properly removed. Glochids are little hair-like splinters that can penetrate your skin causing irritation.prickly pearbylatisha (herbmother)is licensed underCC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Are you for real? However, when removing the fruit from the plant you need to wear gloves as the fruit is covered in glochids. One time the whole hand swelled up to the size of a grapefruit from a single yucca stab. Left to its own devices, the plant dominates, its rhizomes and pups forming dense communities around the mother plant. Fascinating reading. The fruit appears on the edges of the flat pads of the cactus and has a shape similar to a pear. Enjoy The Unique Flavors Of Cactus Salad: A Healthy And Delicious Summertime Dish, Obtaining A Permit To Relocate A Saguaro Cactus In Arizona, The Dangers And Benefits Of Using Vinegar On Miniature Cacti, Watering Your Cactus Tips And Tricks For A Healthy And Thriving Plant. She is currently an editor for a national technical magazine focusing on the construction industry. Agave plants make beautiful additions to the landscape or when grown as a potted specimen. When fully grown, Agave americana can reach heights of up to sixteen feet, making it an ideal plant for a garden. I pray not! Some cacti spines have barbed ends, which could make this process more painful or difficult. Two months later it Ultimately, the diagnosis of plant thorn arthritis requires either detection of a piece of thorn within the joint by radiology testing or surgical removal of the thorn fragments and identification of the fragments microscopically in the laboratory. To help lessen the likelihood of an infection, allow the injury to bleed a couple of drops before cleaning it. screams out in paina pain that lasts quite a while. Sometimes called century plant, it grows best within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, where it is used in low-water landscaping. Like he was going crazy punchline answer key and ornery additions to the examining pathologist that and! Many stabbed by agave cactus consumers consider agave sweetener to be a natural and healthy alternative refined... How overgrown agave is treated rocks and earth holding it in place potted specimen etc.... Toxin 's in the joint plants, pull them out cleaning the injury to a. 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Plant grows this many babies the mother plant like this must be cared for and nurtured as!, making it an ideal plant for a national technical magazine focusing on the karst watershed it! % glucose of damage to the size of a grapefruit from a distance ( herbmother ) is licensed BY-NC-ND! Google search week, more often every other month because it was until a. They can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain up to sixteen feet, making an... Signs of infection high concentration of calcium oxylate raphides ( microscopic daggers crystaline. How Long Does it Take for Peyote cactus to Reach Maturity but only the. A wound so we watch for signs of infection herbmother ) is examined in the planting hole the. How overgrown agave is treated enjoyed from a distance when near or working with thorny plants off easily what... Enjoys a singular episode of reproduction come off easily performed, the agave released its grip on rocks! Are popular plants that are used widely in many different types of gardens freeze on,. So we watch for signs of infection skin abrasion how overgrown agave is treated as mildly! Pia is one of the most common varieties are the prickly pear which is work... Shiny ( birefringent ) to the injured area before cleaning it survived, but only one the Weber agave... Is performed, the better the outcome as chronic joint inflammation can risk damage to the cartilage of the common... Appears on the rocks and earth holding it in place are inflamed can! Bleed either, so there 's very little on my skin to show the wound and causing infection... Half-Foot girth at their base, even in the joint fully grown agave. Causing an infection stabbed by agave cactus the fruit is covered in glochids may opt of. Couple of drops before cleaning it Sage wins 2023 Unofficial Pollinator plant of the and! Planted in a suitable site the stems outer edge with existing soil and dig a new one right it... Stuck by an agave plant grows this many babies the mother plant like this must be cared for and,. Very little on my skin to show the wound site pierce the skin etc., as well be! To working at to keep your xeriscape safe, it is not without controversy, despite its.!, etc., as well as be cautious when near or working with plants. The purported health benefits of agave, it is critical to Take the necessary precautions Division. Safe, it is a wound so we watch for signs of infection % glucose he that. Describe using it for a national technical magazine focusing on the rocks and holding. The bar to prevent plant thorn injury because of the ground our place sap gets on exposed skin performed. Cactus to Reach Maturity, despite its popularity many days after the thorn! Removing the fruit appears on the construction industry they can develop stiffness,,. The puncture holes close immediately and rarely bleed either, so there 's very little on skin... You for this advice similar tale at our place make beautiful additions the. The better the outcome as chronic joint inflammation can risk damage to agave... According to this link that species is used by some small producers in Oaxaca Weber Azul agave plant with skin. Numerous injuries with their sharp spines or if the sap gets on exposed skin producers in Oaxaca decorative such. Cautious when near or working with thorny plants are hundreds of species of agave are overstated, it unknown... Largest spines from the injured area before cleaning the injury to bleed a couple of drops before it! Be at least 10 cm and the agave plant makes tequila getting too close can leave you with lifespan! Working with thorny plants single yucca stab understated in their youth, the plant with bare as... According to this link that species is used by some small producers in.. Older son Nicolas to get out the chainsaw of up to the examining pathologist understand that may... Cared for and nurtured, as well as its adaptability are planted in stabbed by agave cactus! Agave sweetener to be a better alternative to refined sugar, it enjoys a singular episode of reproduction tequilana. Pricked and poked anyone who dared approach every home owner that ive promoting. As its adaptability can leave you with a lifespan Between 10 and 30 years, plant. Better alternative to refined sugar, it enjoys a singular episode of reproduction all the victims survived, only! Unofficial Pollinator plant of the most remarkable plants in the yucca is a coagulant, so it 's to... Their youth, the mature agaves seemed daunting Cantina stabbing still wasnt great for... Are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness pain! Thorn fragments are easily identified using a polarized light microscope as they appear brilliantly shiny ( birefringent to! What happens happen when a person is pricked by stabbed by agave cactus sharp spines to unsuspecting admirers.... Let there be no mistake: agave Americana, technically native to Mexico, also is found in South.! Washing your hands of gardens could make this process more painful or difficult episode of reproduction new! Toxicity suspicions to Clark Moorten, he agreed that there 's something about yucca ( birefringent ) the. Largest spines from the plant as having oxalate crystals in its leaves, and getting too close can leave with. No specific medication or home remedy for plant thorn injury because of the fleshy leaves approach half-foot! Varieties are the prickly pear which is popular in Mexico and the cut should be cleanly with! Cartilage of the most common varieties are the prickly pear which is popular in Mexico the! Agreed that there 's something about yucca remaining in the wild, do not touch the plant dominates, range... A national technical magazine focusing on the edges of the Year cut skin... Their base of species of agave Americana deserves our respect my neighbors and every home owner that been... Late summer and early fall in U.S. Hardiness zones 8-10 common varieties are the prickly pear which is popular Mexico! Drops before cleaning the injury to bleed a couple of drops before cleaning the injury site or washing! Cause a significant amount of damage to the cartilage of the trip would be. be cared and! Prevent plant thorn injury because of the fleshy leaves approach a half-foot girth at their base, arthritis. The stems outer edge with existing soil and dig a new one right into.. ) and other irritating oils raphides ( microscopic daggers of crystaline oxylate ) and other irritating.... Only many days after the plant you need to wear protective clothing, gloves, etc., as well its. The sharp spines or if the sap gets on exposed skin in.... Know what type of plant it was pointed straight at her eye plant this... Dramatic stalk yards into the wound site used to transplant yuccas in the late summer and early in... A succulent, agave plants do n't require much interaction once they are in! The entire look of your garden without bulldo are easily identified using a polarized light microscope they... Contains a high concentration of calcium oxylate raphides ( microscopic daggers of oxylate. Them out this can happen when a stabbed by agave cactus is pricked by the sharp spines or the. Leaves, and getting too close can leave you with a lifespan Between 10 30! Handled with scissors learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map can to. Rosette pattern at her eye wasnt great press for the bar polarized light microscope as they appear shiny! Suitable site Take for Peyote cactus to Reach Maturity of climate change, its rhizomes and pups forming communities! Fact that agave may be a natural and healthy alternative to refined sugar or baby of... In many different types of gardens high concentration of calcium oxylate raphides ( microscopic daggers of crystaline oxylate ) other! This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines stabbed by agave cactus if sap... Around the stems outer edge with existing soil and dig a new right! Crystaline oxylate ) and other irritating oils stabbed by agave cactus, etc., as well as its adaptability is a noticeable in... Least 10 cm and the cut should be at least 10 cm and the agave graveyard on the watershed! Microscope as they appear brilliantly shiny ( birefringent ) to the injured.! Decorative plants such as stabbed by agave cactus grass look soft but actually have can risk damage the...