Cucumis species

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Botha, C.J. (Christoffel Jacobus)
Venter, Elna

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Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread on disturbed soil, etc.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: General: Sprawling or occasionally climbing annual creepers with woody rootstocks, rough, hairy stems and spirally coiled tendrils. Leaves: Deeply to shallowly lobed single leaves. Flowers: The male and female flowers occur mostly on the same plant. 5-merous. Fruit: The small cucumber-like fruits are oval to roundish, smooth or with fleshy prickles or spines.
TOXIC PRINCIPLE: Toxin in fruit only and increases on ripening. • Cucurbitacin A-L (and related compounds). • Tetracyclic triterpenes (C 30 - compounds) and glycosides which are known as bitter principles (bitterstowwe). • Extremely bitter - to protect plants against herbivores.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Gastro-intestinal and respiratory systems.
CLINICAL SIGNS: Large intake: Collapse and sudden death without notable symptoms. Lower intake: Diarrhoea, polypnoea.
NECROPSY: Large intake: Lung oedema. Lower intake: Severe catarrhal to pseudomembraneous enteritis. Haemorrhages into lumen of g.i.t. Large amounts of typical seeds in g.i.t. Treatment: Symptomatic and supportive. Avoidance: Avoid excessive intake. Supply enough food and water before sending animals into the veld.

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Colour photos. Final web-ready size: JPEG, 72 ppi. Photo 1: 9.8 kb; Photo 2: 85.6 kb; Photo 3: 16.6 kb; Photo 4: 17.1 kb. Original TIFF file housed at the Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pretoria.

Keywords

Plant poisoning, Toxicology, Plant poisoning in animals, Poisonous plants, Cucurbitacin, Triterpenes, Glycosides, Bitterstowwe

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Citation

Botha, CJ & Venter, E 2002, 'Plants poisonous to livestock Southern Africa (CD-ROM)' University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pretoria, South Africa.