Can I eat lantana berries?
Quick Answer
No
Lantana berries are considered toxic to humans and pets. Ingesting them can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, and difficulty breathing.
What Is It?
Lantana berries are the fruit of the lantana plant, a type of flowering shrub native to tropical regions. The berries are small and can range in color from green to blue-black as they mature.
Historical Context
The lantana plant has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures, but its berries are generally considered harmful and not used for consumption.
How to Tell
Symptoms of lantana berry poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, liver failure.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating lantana berries poses serious health risks due to their toxicity.
- Gastrointestinal upset: The berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Respiratory distress: Difficulty breathing can occur after ingestion.
- Liver damage: In severe cases, eating lantana berries can lead to liver failure.