Dipcadi glaucum

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: Normally grows in deep sandy soil, but can be found in soils ranging from limestone soils to brackish soil near saltpans. Sun loving, but can also be found in the shade under trees.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: General: A perennial white underground bulb of up to 15 cm in diameter. Leaves: Three to sixteen large, broad, grey-green, leathery leaves are arranged in a basal rosette. They die down in winter and will appear immediately after spring rains to grow very quickly to a height of ± 15 cm. Flowers: Brownish-red to yellow-green flowers are borne on a large erect inflorescence (± 1 m high), which usually develops after the leaves. Spring - summer. Fruit: The fruit is a three-segmented capsule, which contains flat, round, black seeds, which are distributed by wind.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE: •Unknown. •Toxicity variable, depends on growth stage and locality.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Central nervous and gastro-intestinal systems.

CLINICAL SIGNS: Sheep: (more commonly affected) Central Nervous System: Aimless wandering; pushing against objects. Gastrointestinal tract: Severe diarrhea; abortions.

CLINICAL SIGNS: Cattle: Central Nervous System: Behavioural changes: appear drunk, circling, stumbling into objects. Occasionally aimless pushing against objects; apathetic; Ataxia, fetlocks often in flexion; followed by posterior paresis and prostration. Gastrointestinal Tract: Severe diarrhea; eats and drinks normally.

NECROPSY: •Non-specific •Generalised congestion and epi- and endocardial haemorrhages •Lung oedema •Catarrhal enteritis