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I have a question. I saw on the Big Island Freecycle where someone wants Monstera cuttings "to root." I thought this was an invasive, very destructive species. Am I incorrect?
Carrie
http://www.carrierojo.etsy.com
http://www.vintageandvelvet.blogspot.com
"Freedom has a scent like the top of a newborn baby's head..." U2
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And poisonous. I know. almost 5 years worth now.
[b]When it first flowers, the fruit contains so much oxalic acid that it is poisonous, causing immediate and painful blistering and irritation, swelling, itching, and loss of voice. It takes a year for the fruit to ripen, at which point it is safe to eat.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monstera_deliciosa
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Once again I am saddened and CONFUSED!
Our lot is primarily covered with "ironwood" - which is glorified in many Hawaii brochures (on all the islands) - gently swaying - providing shade; and even appears to be cultivated in state/county parks. Yet it is considered "invasive"? [
] [V] [?]
The second major growth is what I always thought was "Split Leaf Philodendron" - on the ground, rock wall and up the "ironwoods" - giving the area a nice, neat (little undergrowth) tropical, jungle feel/look - now I discover it's "MONSTERA" (the name is even creepy) and it is/isn't "invasive" but if/when I move/remove it I'll need a "Full HAZMAT" suit? [
!] [xx(] [
] [V] [?]
What to do? Just "RIP" the lot! Not really the choice I would normally chose.
Joey
Time will tell - I'm listening?
Time will tell - I should have been speaking?
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Hi Cat! Hey - so you actually experienced (current?) the Monstera poisoning? How'd that happen?
Carrie
http://www.carrierojo.etsy.com
http://www.vintageandvelvet.blogspot.com
"Freedom has a scent like the top of a newborn baby's head..." U2
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Not a HazMat suit, but good gloves, long-sleeved shirt, jeans and boots. Some duct tape to join items of clothing together so there's no gaps. And plan to take a good long shower immediately afterward.
John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.alohacoastrealty.com
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So is it like poison ivy?
Carrie
http://www.carrierojo.etsy.com
http://www.vintageandvelvet.blogspot.com
"Freedom has a scent like the top of a newborn baby's head..." U2
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Monstera is used to cover hillsides in Kona.
I have some by the side of my house, whacked it back with weedwhackers, hauled chunks of it around, never noticed any sort of reaction to it. I kinda like monstera.
"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson
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I have Monstera as a house plant. It is NOT poisonous. True, its sap contains oxalic acid but this is an irritant , not a poison. Same stuff is in Dieffenbachis (dumb cane) The fruit of Monstera is delicious but must be fully ripe. I have never had any reaction to working with Monstera foliage and I've had this plant for years. At the University greenhouses they have a huge Monstera and when the fruit ripens, it smells a lot like pineapple. If you are worried about your personal Monstera just cut off the fruit before it ripens and keep whacking it back. Saw some really nice Monstera in Lava Trees Park in Puna.
