Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Monday - November 12, 2012

From: Naples, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives, Pruning, Poisonous Plants, Shrubs
Title: Wound from non-native date palm thorn Naples FL
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Was trimming my pygmy date palm when a frond fell and a thorn pierced my rubber gloves and stuck me in the web of skin between my thumb and forefinger. Did not see a broken thorn but area where struck is raised and really hurts. Area is also hard but can't see anything. Is the thorn of this palm toxic? Thank you in advance for your response.

ANSWER: