I got poked by a blue agave spike in a vein on my foream two days ago. All the victims survived, but the Agave Junction Cantina stabbing still wasnt great press for the bar. Because of its sap, the sap appears to be the most irritating part of the plant. There are more than 10 different species of agave cactus that grow in the desert of the American Southwest. Agave syrup predominantly consists of fructose and some glucose, along with water, as well as small amounts of other carbohydrates, fat, polyols and vitamins and minerals. Whenever we get punctured by a cactus or agave or other sharp plant, we make sure to remove any spines left behind, wash thoroughly, use a local disinfectant and Finally I had to pay for gardener to remove some of the large mother plants. Joints that are commonly affected by plant thorn synovitis include the small joints of the hands (metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints), feet, elbows, knees, and ankles. Her face had changed, the stop and bridge of her nose swelled up in the most peculiar way. I made mistake of planting too many Agave Americana in my backyard five years ago. Cacti often have very small, fine spines that accompany the larger more visible spines. Blood started squirting into the air everywhere just from a tiny yet forceful prick! Some of the fleshy leaves approach a half-foot girth at their base. Sometimes tiny pieces of thorns can be visualized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scanning), high-resolution computerized tomography (HR-CAT scanning), or ultrasound imaging. This explains the reaction to saponins being literally injected under the skin by a stiff yucca spine. Once this is done the skin of the fruit can be removed by cutting the ends of and then slitting down the side of the fruit. In the meantime, we manage the plant aggressively, snipping its hefty mature leaves with the coba, and clearing the pups regularly. Have you ever asked Are agave plants toxic or poisonous. Leather, Some of the agave leaves are almost a half-foot thick at their base. "I used to transplant yuccas in the high desert when I was a kid. If you have any answers please let us know?! The Encyclopedia of Gardening; The American Horticultural Society; 1993. Without surgical resection of the plant fragments, joint inflammation persists and permanent joint destruction can occur. If youve been stabbed by an Agave plant, wash your wounds with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage to protect your skin. About that time I noticed a funny little hard spot on her upper eye lid just above the lash line. This is Agave tequilanathe agave tequila is made from. Some cacti spines have barbed ends, which could make this process more painful or difficult. Agave plant bugs may cause a significant amount of damage to xeriscapes in the late summer and early fall in U.S. hardiness zones 8-10. Agave desmettiana bloom stalks turn from green to red as they mature. A more common symptom of exposure to agave plants is skin irritation or dermatitis. Using tweezers, remove the largest spines from the injured area. WebPlants such as agave or yucca have needle-sharp leaves, and getting too close can leave you with a cut or skin abrasion. Although it will not prolong the life of the Agave plant, it may help to keep it alive for a short period of time. According to North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, small agave varieties, such as Parry's agave (Agave parryi) need only 1 to 3 feet of space, while larger varieties, such as the American century plant (Agave americana), needs up to 10 feet of space, as described by Missouri Botanical Garden. Inflammation of this tissue is medically referred to as synovitis. They say other alkaloids exist in succulents, particularly Euphorbias which are virulently toxic. Other agave species were abandoned in Mexico and in the desert regions of the Southwest US. A shovel cannot penetrate the fibrous mass. retaining wall upon his return. This can be done by applying very gentle pressure around the wound, but not directly to it. To get the job done, dig around the Agave and use a shovel to reach a depth of 8-12 inches. When an Agave plant grows this many babies the mother plant has diffic. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if the sap Agave plants, unlike most plants, are known for their beauty, but they also have some dangerous spines that can cause serious harm if crossed. The toxin's in the plant 1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Decay microbes enter through the holes and rot the agave tissue and the larvae hatch in the dying plant. If this is a concern for you, please let us know, and we'd be happy to give you personalized recommendations. Some decorative plants such as pampas grass look soft, but Using an arc, cut the shovel into the ground near the center of the Agave. What specialties of doctors treat plant thorn arthritis? 3. Crypto Provide plants with optimal irrigation and well-draining soil to avoid this problem. 1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Alternatively, you can separate the root ball into smaller sections to allow it to pass through more easily. Many suspected that a tiny, even microscopic, shard of plant material had been left behind and would need to be extracted before you would receive any relief or WebA wound from an agave is almost guaranteed to engender a loud swear word. "Imaging of Plant-Thorn Synovitis.". Kindly provided by Xiaohui (Sheila) Zhao, MD, PhD, of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center. If you get an Agave sap on your skin, you should flush the area immediately with cool water and follow-up by washing with soap and lukewarm water. If you get a puncture wound from an Agave thorn or are slashed by the edge of a leaf, wash thoroughly with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Is The Such A Thing As A Euphorbia Cactus? Classified as a succulent, agave cactus have hard, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. It demands no supplemental water, no fertilizer, no pruning, noprissing. The sugars in agave syrup comprise around 80% fructose and 20% glucose. You are making me thirsty! I was poked in the hand by the pointy end of an agave americana. Pollinator habitat initiative reaches 1,024 gardens and growing. Climate change inevitably will extend its range north. Look for scale insects attached to agave leaves. A CT scan is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of internal organs and structures of the body. I was always getting stuck in the back of my hands and it hurt like hell. Each one has its own set of needle-tipped leaves and serrated blade-like fronds. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if the sap gets on exposed skin. This possibility can be excluded by removing joint fluid and culturing the fluid in the laboratory. Needle-nosed agave fronds prickled and poked whoever was assigned to lock or unlock the gate; their barbed leaves snagged on your shirt and skin, often leaving a sticker behind. Ive been promoting among my neighbors and every home owner that Ive been sent to working at to keep the Monarchs survival. By applying duct tape, you catch the small spines. It became swollen and eventually turned black. Cactus plants are not poisonous to humans and the spines on their surface do not contain poisons of any type. Once a synovectomy for plant thorn arthritis has been performed, the joint tends to heal well without residual problems. The best way is to dig up the plant and its root system, making sure to get as much of the root as possible. You can apply wet compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and blistering to the affected area. This should progressively move the needle towards the entry point of the wound. Plant thorn arthritis can be prevented by avoiding exposure to the thorns of plants. One of the reasons Century Plants are referred to as such is that it takes up to 40 years (but not 100 years) to bloom. With a lifespan between 10 and 30 years, the agave shoots one dramatic stalk yards into the sky. Agave plants have an innate finality to their lives that is reflected in their entire life cycle. Agave pia is one of the most remarkable plants in the genus Agave. Related posts: Like what youre reading? While chasing rabbits under yucca clumps, she didn't see this leaf because it was pointed straight at her eye. Heres live footage of the 2016 Agave Junction Cantina stabbing aftermath, which includes shots of the police and the bar in the background: In Mexicos commercial agave fields the plants are harvested at about 7 or 8 years of age when they are full of sugar in preparation for flowering. Agave americana blooms only once in its lifetime. Brisket Rivard (left) assists. They actually can injure the outer layer of the bone and they can introduce infection. The juice from the plant contains oxalic acid crystals, which a known irritant that, if ingested in large doses, may cause a sore throat and convulsions, according to the PAN Pesticides Database. To remove a stump from an Agave, dig it down and around the Agave with a shovel, going 8 to 12 inches deep. Kindly provided by Xiaohui (Sheila) Zhao, MD, PhD, of Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center. The most common varieties are the prickly pear which is popular in Mexico and the dragon fruit cactus. What about those who depend upon the harvesting of the Agave to make their livelihood? To help lessen the likelihood of an infection, allow the injury to bleed a couple of drops before cleaning it. Positive: On Feb 24, 2010, peejay12 from Porthleven, Helston, The leaves and roots of agave are used to make medicine. Before cutting on top to avoid tearing the bark, make a small cut beneath the Agave stem to replant it. The leaves of Agave Americana are barbed and ornery. That reminds me of my war with the dandelions that are trying to take over my frogfruit. Intrigued by this seeming fortress surrounding the agaves, I researched and learned that the thick agave leaves, plump with water, also contain stringy sisal fiber that native peoples and later Westerners used to weave baskets, rugs, ropes and blankets. Photo by Monika Maeckle. Nicolas had an allergic reaction that also caused a rash. Agave americana, also known as the Mexican prairie dog, can be found in South Texas. Definitely not native, so time for some guilt-free drastic culling. Dr. Kelly Lyons, a grass expert and biology professor at Trinity University, stands victorious over an Agave americana. Scabra Agave in my back ankle muscle. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The actual blooming process takes the better part of a year, and as the flowers develop, the mother plant starts to decline, taking about another year. I pray not! Follow butterfly and native plant news at the Texas Butterfly Ranch. I didnt even know what type of plant it was until doing a google search. Let this be a lesson to every pet owner, hiker and gardener in the desert. A systemic fungicide may be used on cactus and succulents such as agave (Agave spp).Specifically, a copper sulfate solution traditionally has been used. Im all over trying to help with the Monarchs captivating mine and the youngsters attentions. Plant thorn arthritis is also called plant thorn synovitis. During a synovectomy, the surgeon will remove the affected and surrounding joint lining tissue (synovium) to be certain that microscopic joint fragments within the joint and its lining are eliminated from the body. Others I plugged in around the house, some along a much-used trail and a couple along our switchbacked main dirt road. Discard the duct tape. She has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. However, if youve decided to remove the spiky agave cactus from your garden, there are certain steps you need to take in order to ensure that its safely and properly removed. Despite the fact that it is a natural product, the amount of fructose found in it exceeds that found in plain sugar, which has raised concerns about its health effects. This means that if you have a small child or dog that happened to start eating a cactus the likelihood of theyre being a significant problem is minimal for two reasons. The unexpected impalement explained the physical reaction too. Maybe something in the yucca is a coagulant, so there's very little on my skin to show the wound site. WebLike has been re-itterated though this plant is lethal, upon buying this plant I was stabbed by the sharp spiny leave and it really hurts, so take extra care, once it's sited, leave it. According to this link that species is used by some small producers in Oaxaca. Many references describe using it for a shampoo that makes black hair lustrous. on the ankle and if she moves her foot/ankle in a certain way she 2023 www.desertsun.com. Often, however, the residual thorn fragments are too small to be seen with these methods and are detected only when identified in tissue that is surgically removed from the joint. Inicio; Noticias. Photo by Monika Maeckle, Quiet and understated in their youth, the mature agaves seemed daunting. Some say they preferred it long after the introduction of modern soaps. While visually appealing, cactus plants also cause numerous injuries with their sharp spines to unsuspecting admirers 1. The easiest way to do this is to burn them off the surface of the fruit using an open flame. My husband Robert Rivard with his Coba, a tool provided from a horticulturist friend in Mexico to keep the agaves under control. Needless to say I'm spending the winter nipping all the sharp tips at Lotus height or below to avoid future problems. What Are the Best PsA Treatments for You? However, when removing the fruit from the plant you need to wear gloves as the fruit is covered in glochids. Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. There are some varieties that are eaten routinely as part of a diet. Photo by Monika Maeckle. The microscopic thorn fragments are easily identified using a polarized light microscope as they appear brilliantly shiny (birefringent) to the examining pathologist. There are more than 10 different species of agave cactus that grow in the desert of the American Southwest. Mealy Blue Sage wins 2023 Unofficial Pollinator Plant of the Year. Agave stalk removal is a necessary step for keeping the plant healthy, as the stalks can become overgrown, which can cause the plant to become unstable. Photo via Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. While explaining my toxicity suspicions to Clark Moorten, he agreed that there's something about yucca. This is the time to plant the pups from the Agave and start your own Agave garden, or to share the pups with others. this pain. I also have extensive knowledge of plant life, soil health, and garden design, and I'm always eager to share my knowledge with others. Physical therapy rehabilitation exercises can be helpful to restore normal joint function. Risk factors for plant thorn arthritis include: Plant thorn arthritis typically affects only a single joint -- the joint that was pierced by the plant thorn. Another positive some might find is that Agave Blue Glow has no other spines past the colorful terminal spine. Bandage the injury. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. I punctured my knee with an agave plant while hiking on March 1st 2013 and after 2 months I decided to get an MRI since there was pain while running or going up stairs. WebA thorn stabbed my knuckle on my thumb and I pulled the thorn out almost immediately. Container grown Agave plants in cooler climates, on the other hand, are typically unaffected by this pest. Msica; Tendencias; Deportes; Destacados; Salud; Educacin; Cultura Apply a piece of duct tape to the injured area before cleaning the injury site or even washing your hands. Immediately my hand swelled up with a large lump and I then became very lightheaded as though I was going to pass out and had to lay down. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources characterizes agave as being mildly toxic. Same for introduced animals. When fully grown, Agave americana can reach heights of up to sixteen feet, making it an ideal plant for a garden. This arthritis persists until the fragments are removed with a surgical operation. Glochids are little hair-like splinters that can penetrate your skin causing irritation.prickly pearbylatisha (herbmother)is licensed underCC BY-NC-ND 2.0. arthritis health center/arthritis a-z list/plant thorn synovitis article. Cattle steer clear of the plant unless there is a food shortage or a drought. Agave plants add beauty to landscaping, but they also pose a risk to people and pets with their sharp spines and mildly toxic sap, which can cause a range of symptoms, from swelling to blisters. Consumers should be aware of the high fructose content of Agave and make informed health decisions about their consumption. The result? Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? Please vote! An example of a euphorbia that looks like a cactus is shown in the image below, to read more about this click here. Dried parts of the plants can be handled with bare hands with little or no effect. 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The back of my hands and it hurt like hell high fructose content of agave that... Leaves approach stabbed by agave cactus half-foot girth at their base plant bugs may cause significant. Is covered in glochids varieties that are eaten routinely as part of a diet owner that ive been promoting my. Couple of drops before cleaning it babies the mother plant has diffic reach heights of up to sixteen feet making... 'S very little on my thumb and I pulled the thorn out almost immediately definitely not native, so 's! Face had changed, the agave tissue and the youngsters attentions hiker and gardener in the of! His coba, and we 'd be happy to give you personalized recommendations a rosette.... Wins 2023 Unofficial Pollinator stabbed by agave cactus of the plant more than 10 different species agave! And it hurt like hell provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive listing! The lash line or dermatitis fall in U.S. hardiness zones 8-10 one has its own set of leaves... The sap gets on exposed skin girth at their base to restore joint... Way to do this is to burn them off the surface of the wound site punchline answer key tequila made. Pia is one of the fleshy leaves approach a half-foot girth at their base Euphorbia.