El Yunque National Forest

Poisonous Plants, Shrubs and Trees Found on the El Yunque National Forest

Photo © www.mucuna.org

Cowhage, Cow Itch (Eng.), Pica-pica (Sp.), Mucuna pruriens (Bot.), Exotic; Asia, Africa.

Description:

Mucuna pruriens is a climbing plant, with long, slender branches, alternate, lance-shaped leaves on hairy leafstalk, 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) long, with large, white flowers, growing in clusters of two or three, with a bluish-purple, butterfly-shaped group of petals. The pods (legumes) are hairy, thick, and leathery, averaging 4 inches (10 centimeters) long, and contain four to six seeds. The seeds are a rich dark brown color, thickly covered with stiff, stinging hairs which can cause mild skin irritation. 

Poisonous characteristics:

Contact with needle-like, stinging hairs on the seed-pods of this plant can release minute amounts of Dimethyltryptamine and other poisonous alkaloids which can cause SKIN IRRITATION AND SKIN RASH (DERMATITIS). DO NOT TOUCH OR EAT THE SEED-PODS OF THIS PLANT.

When observing this plant:

If possible, avoid contact with its seed-pods. Do not eat it’s seed-pods, or bring them in contact with your eyes. If you inadvertently touch the seed-pods of this plant wash your hands thoroughly before touching your skin, mouth, eyes or the areas surrounding them.

Where is this plant found in the El Yunque NF?

Common in Luquillo forest (El Yunque National Forest) to 1800 feet (548 meters) in elevation.

Additional information:

• Tropical Vegetation Specialist
  USDA Forest Service
  El Yunque National Forest
  HC-01, Box 13490
  Rio Grande, PR 00745-9625
  787 888 1810
• Núñez-Meléndez, E., 1990, Plantas Venenosas de Puerto Rico y las que producen dermatitis, Ed. Universidad de Puerto Rico.

(Data compiled by Alan Mowbray, El Yunque NF; please send any suggestions/comments to: amowbray@fs.fed.us)

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USDA Forest Service - El Yunque National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16 December 2008 at 14:14:03 EST