Warning

Seek urgent medical attention if lips or tongue become swollen or if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Description

An evergreen perennial herb, often grown as an ornamental, also very popular as a container plant.

The flowers are fleshy white to cream sheath or bract, called a spathe, surrounding a spike of fragrant, closely packed minute flowers.

The leaves are bright green, lance shaped, shiny, up to 30cm long and clustered at the base of the plant.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

This plant, if eaten, can produce a tingling or burning sensation, followed by swelling of the lips, mouth and tongue. Contact dermatitis may also occur in sensitive individuals.

Images

Photo by Rob Price
Photo by Rob Price

Details

Common name: Peace lily

Botanical nameSpathiphyllum species; most commonly Spathiphyllum wallisii

Other common names: Madonna lily

Family: Araceae

General description: An evergreen perennial herb, often grown as an ornamental, also very popular as a container plant.

Flowers: The flowers are fleshy white to cream sheath or bract, called a spathe, surrounding a spike of fragrant, closely packed minute flowers.

Leaves: The leaves are bright green, lance shaped, shiny, up to 30cm long and clustered at the base of the plant.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit are white berries.

Other: The sap is clear.

Last updated: July 2023