Sarcostemma viminale

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: • Widespread in bushveld and grassland, generally in hot parts of the country on a variety of soil types • Usually among trees and bushes

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: General: This is a sturdy, succulent, vigorous climber (can be shrub-like) which grows in and over trees and other shrubs, sometimes smothering the supporting plant. The lower part of the stem has a thick corky bark. The grey-green branches are pencil-shaped, usually ± 5 - 10 mm in diameter. White latex appears when the plant is damaged. Leaves: No leaves Flowers: Star-shaped, creamy-white to yellow and sweet smelling. In clusters at the nodes. Fruit: The fruit resembles a pair of horns. The flat seeds have each a plume of stiff hairs.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE: • Unknown • Indications are that it is very similar to the “cynanchosides” • The toxicity varies a lot – it can actually be non-toxic at times.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Central nervous system.

CLINICAL SIGNS: • Nervous syndrome, very similar to cynanchosis, which occurs in cattle, sheep, goats (especially Angora goats) and horses in the dry parts of the country when grazing is scarce. • Animals can show paresis and nervousness for days, following acute CNS stimulation. • Temperature elevated. • Bloat. However, animals don’t usually develop a paralysis syndrome as in cynanchosis. • Clinical signs occur after 4 - 8 hours. • Death 12 - 24 hours later. • Sometimes sick for a week.

NECROPSY: • Glucosuria and changes in the kidneys rapidly sets in (confuse with pulpy kidney) • Plant remnants in the rumen.