Moraea species

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: H. pallida occurs all over South Africa under a variety of climatic conditions, topographical situations and soil types • M. polystachya is widely distributed in dry areas like Botswana, Namibia, Kalahari, Karoo & Eastern Cape Province. • M. bipartita to be found in coastal belt of the south-eastern Cape Province.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: Moraea polystachya (Blue tulp). General: Plants medium to large, up to 80 cm high. Corm up to 5 cm in diameter, covered with dark coarse fibres. Leaves: 3 - 5 Leaves, not longer than the stem, but usually bent and trailing. Flowers: Violet to pale blue with yellow to orange nectar guides on the outer tepals. March to July. General: The corm is white, covered by a dark brown fibrous tunic and buried deep in the soil. Leaves: H. pallida usually has a single leaf (seldom more) formed at the base of the stem. It is long, narrow, strongly ribbed and ensheathes the stem. H. miniata usually has one to four leaves. Flowers: H. pallida has 6 - 10 star-shaped flowers on a stem. They can be yellow to orange-red. On H. miniata, the branched stems bear clusters of flowers that are usually pink, but can be yellow, orange or red. A star-shaped yellow marking in the throat of the flower is a distinguishing characteristic. Fruit: Club-shaped, three-celled capsules contain many angled seeds.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE: •The active principles are cardio-active glycosides •Bufadienolides.

SYNDROME: Non-cumulative bufadienolides. Also refer to syndrome of Cardiac Glycoside Intoxication to see “Tulp Poisoning”.

SYSTEM AFFECTED: Cardiovascular system.

CLINICAL SIGNS: • Fatally poisoned stock usually dies 24 to 48 hours after they have eaten tulp. • Non-fatally poisoned stock generally recovers within three to four days.

NECROPSY: Macroscopical findings: • Not specific - rather negative • Subepi- and endocardial haemorrhages • Lung oedema, congestion, emphysema • Ruminal atony and enteritis - even haemorrhagic • Leaves present in rumen.

HISTOPATHOLOGY: In more chronic cases small foci of degeneration of cardiac musculature are seen occasionally.

TREATMENT: • Activated charcoal is very effective. • Dose 2g/kg. • Large dose is essential. • Adsorption and fixation of excess in rumen. • Even retro-diffusion back from plasma. • Minimize stress to prevent catecholamine release. Additional treatment for valuable animals: 1. Lignocaine. 2. ß-blocking agents 3. ACP: Tranquillizer (multipotent blocker) 4. Atropine (if AV-block is present).