Giant Taro
Alocasia macrorrhizos
Horse
Moderate
Remove access and monitor the horse; call at the first sign. The amount ingested is variable, but even a small amount can cause irritation.
Equio informs, it does not diagnose. When in doubt, call your vet.
What to do now
- Antidote
- No specific antidote. Treatment is symptomatic.
- Time to signs
- Minutes to a few hours after ingestion.
- Prognosis
- Generally good if ingestion is limited and symptoms are mild. Respiratory distress or esophageal obstruction can occur in severe cases.
- Rinse the animal's mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- If symptoms are severe, consult a veterinarian.
Its ID card
- Height
- 1-3 meters
- Flowering
- Variable by region, typically during warm, humid months.
- Toxic parts
- All parts of the plant, especially leaves and stems.
- Toxin
- Calcium oxalate (needle-shaped crystals)
- Habitat
- Tropical and subtropical regions, often near water bodies or in moist soils.
- Soil indicator
- Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils.
- Regions
- Asia, Oceania, Americas
- In hay
- Not reported
- Palatability
- Low, but may be consumed out of curiosity or lack of other food.
When the risk rises
Year-round, but particularly during active growth periods.
Spotting it in the field
Other plants in the Araceae family such as Dieffenbachia or Philodendron, which also contain calcium oxalates. — smell : odorless.
- Large heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves
- Thick, fleshy stem
- Spadix inflorescence surrounded by a spathe
Signs to watch for
Primarily acute intoxication due to mechanical and chemical irritation.
Dose : Not determined, but ingestion of large quantities can be dangerous.
- Oral irritation
- Swelling of the tongue and lips
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive salivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Who is affected
Other species : None known.
In pregnant mares : no known risk to pregnancy.
Getting rid of it
Method : Manual or mechanical removal. The plant can resprout from rhizome fragments.
- Identify and remove the plant from pastures and areas accessible to animals.
- Educate owners about toxic plants.
- Monitor animals in areas where the plant is present.
Frequently asked questions
Can Equio identify Giant Taro from a photo?
It can help organize visual clues, but plant identification must remain cautious when horse health is at stake.
Is Giant Taro dangerous in hay?
Hay risk is not always reported for this entry, but suspicious forage should still be isolated until checked.
This page is informational. If ingestion is likely, if signs appear, or if the horse is fragile, contact a veterinarian immediately.