Whenever we get punctured by a cactus or agave or other sharp plant, we make sure to remove any spines left behind, wash thoroughly, use a local disinfectant and To prevent exposure, plant agaves away from walkways and any areas where pets and children play. Photo by Monika Maeckle. WebI was stabbed by. Agave stalk removal is an important process for maintaining the health of an agave plant. Agave americana, also known as the Mexican prairie dog, can be found in South Texas. There are more than 10 different species of agave cactus that grow in the desert of the American Southwest. Heres live footage of the 2016 Agave Junction Cantina stabbing aftermath, which includes shots of the police and the bar in the background: Let there be no mistake:Agave Americana deserves our respect. Website by, Trinity Students continue battle with Johnson Grass, New study: nectar plants more important than milkweed for Monarch butterfly migration, How to plan a successful pollinator garden, Mostly native urban butterfly garden outperforms lawn every time, IH-35 to Become Pollinator Corridor for Bees, Butterflies and other Pollinators. Finally I had to pay for gardener to remove some of the large mother plants. Exposure to thorn-bearing plants, including: diseases of the male reproductive organs. Cactus plants are popular plants that are used widely in many different types of gardens. Scabra Agave in my back ankle muscle. Contrast material may be injected into a vein or the spinal fluid to enhance the scan. Wish I could find a cabo here. Plant thorn arthritis is also called plant thorn synovitis. Discard the duct tape. Without surgical resection of the plant fragments, joint inflammation persists and permanent joint destruction can occur. A man stabbed three other patrons and then fled the scene. This is the time to plant the pups from the Agave and start your own Agave garden, or to share the pups with others. To help lessen the likelihood of an infection, allow the injury to bleed a couple of drops before cleaning it. The prickly pear fruit is a cactus that can be eaten raw as it is very sweet flesh provided that it is ripe. MRI scanning is painless and does not involve X-ray radiation. This should progressively move the needle towards the entry point of the wound. As a gesture of my respect for this plant, weve allowed two specimens to remain on site. Agave plants make beautiful additions to the landscape or when grown as a potted specimen. Whenever we get punctured by a cactus or agave or other sharp plant we make sure to remove any spines left behind wash thoroughly use a local disinfectant and then we like to apply a topical pain reliever. Additionally, its important to consider the climate in which you are attempting to remove the agave cactus, as some species may not be suitable for colder climates. It bled for awhile and I held a compress on it until the bleeding stopped. Then it dies. However, it is important to recognize that there are similar-looking plants from the euphorbia family that are poisonous and are often mistaken for cactus plants. Not only does it look stunning, but its also a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Most cactus plants are edible, however, the vast majority of them do not taste particularly nice and some are unknown to cause some stomach upsets. https://www.backpacker.com/skills/healing-thorns-splinters-and-other-pricks Apply gentle pressure to the injury site, allowing it to bleed. Many suspected that a tiny, even microscopic, shard of plant material had been left behind and would need to be extracted before you would receive any relief or Apply it to moist soil. As soon as you notice any pups or baby offshoots of Agave plants, pull them out. With virtually no sign of injury we chalked it up to a bee sting. I got poked by a blue agave spike in a vein on my foream two days ago. To keep your xeriscape safe, it is critical to handle the Agave plant with caution. Ultimately, the diagnosis of plant thorn arthritis requires either detection of a piece of thorn within the joint by radiology testing or surgical removal of the thorn fragments and identification of the fragments microscopically in the laboratory. The tissue forms a characteristic reaction, called a granulomatous reaction, within the synovium (granulomatous synovitis). These fruits will most commonly appear in mid to late summer through to Autumn and they range in color from Red to Green. When dealing with Agave plants, you should take the necessary precautions in order to avoid injuries and to have a successful replanting process. Read about Dr. Shiel's diagnosis and treatment of plant thorn arthritis, Loneliness a Key Factor in Postpartum Depression, An Alzheimer's Drug Might Ease Hair-Pulling Disorder, Could Tiny Plastic Particles Reach the Fetus From Mom's Food? The plant thorn fragments cause a localized inflammation reaction in the joint lining tissue that leads to swelling, stiffness, loss of range of motion, and pain. Fuzzy Kalanchoes: Varieties, Uses, Tips, Expensive Succulent Design Mistakes to Avoid. Despite the fact that removing an Agave plant may appear difficult, it is actually quite simple. Agave pia is one of the most remarkable plants in the genus Agave. What is the Difference Between a Cactus And An Agave. They actually can injure the outer layer of the bone and they can introduce infection. Using tweezers, remove the largest spines from the injured area. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! I stupidly imported Agave americana to our ranch a dozen years ago. Photo by Monika Maeckle. Ive been digging up the babies and throwing them out. Once a synovectomy for plant thorn arthritis has been performed, the joint tends to heal well without residual problems. She has nearly 25 years of experience in the propagation and care of plants. These are often missed, and can irritate and cause infection if left in the skin. The lush, low-maintenance agave (Agave spp.) Furthermore, you can separate the root ball into smaller sections so that you can lift it more easily out of the soil. The most common varieties are the prickly pear which is popular in Mexico and the dragon fruit cactus. When doing this you will find that there is a thick layer just below the skin that will also come away as you peel the skin off. I'm Normandi, a passionate gardener and botanic expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. Often, however, the residual thorn fragments are too small to be seen with these methods and are detected only when identified in tissue that is surgically removed from the joint. Fortunately, agave plants don't require much interaction once they are planted in a suitable site. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that agave plant leaves contain saponins and volatile oils that will cause damage ranging from irritation to swelling. If there is a small bit of plant tissue still inside the puncture it may swell with the soak and the soap and the salt and come out on its own. The Mayo Clinic explains how. Be aware that many animals will dig into and under the root system, where the soil is relatively loose, and stay there during the day, shaded and relatively cool. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? Once this is done the skin of the fruit can be removed by cutting the ends of Dilute the fertilizer to half the manufacturer's recommended strength. I ignored the agaves entirely for more than a decade. In the wild, do not touch the plant with bare skin as the needles can pierce the skin. Full sun and some tolerance to frost. The guidance would have come in handy before I planted several Agave americanamore than a decade ago around our ranch house along the Llano River. The spines are stout, sharp and will easily puncture every part of most animal bodies. Some species may or may not have stems. Depending on the species of agave, parts of the plant are dangerous and should be avoided. Agave cactus leaves are toothed along the edges and have needle-like points at the ends. These sharp points can jab and stick in clothing and skin on humans and in fur on pets. I made mistake of planting too many Agave Americana in my backyard five years ago. Let this be a lesson to every pet owner, hiker and gardener in the desert. Each one has its own set of needle-tipped leaves and serrated blade-like fronds. While visually appealing, cactus plants also cause numerous injuries with their sharp spines to unsuspecting admirers 1. The Agave plant may cause swelling and redness, as well as skin sores, within minutes to hours after being applied to the skin, making it potentially hazardous to most people. This agave plant has been busy growing pups little plant babies for the past year. Despite the fact that it is a natural product, the amount of fructose found in it exceeds that found in plain sugar, which has raised concerns about its health effects. Inflammation of this tissue is medically referred to as synovitis. If you experience an allergic reaction or have any symptoms that concern you, seek medical attention immediately. Plant thorn arthritis requires operative intervention. Pollinator habitat initiative reaches 1,024 gardens and growing. Unfortunately, this is a natural process that cannot be stopped, but cutting the bloom stalks from a plant as soon as they begin to grow can be done. Photo by Monika Maeckle. Certainly getting stabbed by a cactus spine, an aloe tip or an agave will take an eye out if it's in the right place, but there's something different about an ordinary yucca I use a long, serrated knife to trim mine up when needed, cutting as close to the main body of the plant as possible. Photo via Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. We have a problem with wild pines and opossums. Mediopicta Variegated Agave Fun Facts The Aztecs called the agave a gift from gods." She has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if. Alternatively, you can treat the plant with an herbicide, but this should only be used as a last resort as it can harm other plants in the area. Agave americana, technically native to Mexico, also is found in South Texas. The stalks of the bloom serve as a stark reminder that the Agaves life is coming to an end. This process involves carefully cutting the thick, fibrous stalk of the plant at its base, as close to the ground as possible. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. Hummingbirds and bats love this pollen trove. The first reason is that due to the spines that are on most plants the probability of a dog or child attempting to eat a cactus is relatively low. When it comes to gardening, one of the most beautiful and exotic plants to add to your outdoor space is the spiky agave cactus. This seemed like a brilliant idea. Some say they preferred it long after the introduction of modern soaps. Is The Agave Poisonous or Toxic? Agave sap contains calcium oxalate, which forms bundles of needlelike crystals called raphides. Dr. Kelly Lyons, a grass expert and biology professor at Trinity University, stands victorious over an Agave americana. When I've been stabbed by the big yuccas they penetrate deeply, often to the bone because the tips are so sharp. Some cacti spines have barbed ends, which could make this process more painful or difficult. When moving and planting agaves, try sticking wine corks on the spiny leaf tips to prevent accidental injury. Clean the wounded area. Jim was industriously off at the store purchasing cement blocks, and I was in Others I plugged in around the house, some along a much-used trail and a couple along our switchbacked main dirt road. Bandage the injury. They have been there for decades. This may help determine the causes of joint swelling or arthritis. This can be done 2.6 2.6 out of 5 stars Turns out there is a 7mm peice of the agave tip stuck in my quadriceps muscle. Maguey, scientifically named Agave americana, is a perennial plant indigenous to regions in Mexico, South Africa, and Australia. The second reason is that if they do manage to eat some of the cactus the consequences are likely to be minimal provided that it is actually a cactus that they are eating. Webstabbed by agave plant treatment 29 Ago stabbed by agave plant treatment. Despite the fact that the plant may take up to fifteen years to mature, the rewards are well worth it. My in-laws planted three on my backyard slope now its full of them. The easiest way to do this is to burn them off the surface of the fruit using an open flame. To remove a stump from an Agave, dig it down and around the Agave with a shovel, going 8 to 12 inches deep. Brisket Rivard (left) assists. Even then it was tough to find on a white dog, it's impossible on dark or thick fur. The stalk can then be discarded, or it can be used as a source of fiber for crafts or other projects. The closer the fruit is to a red color the riper it is. Also, wear heavy gardening gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when planting them to protect your skin and eyes. WebPlants such as agave or yucca have needle-sharp leaves, and getting too close can leave you with a cut or skin abrasion. Two months later it If you get stuck by an agave cactus what happens? Her Cacti often have very small, fine spines that accompany the larger more visible spines. The fruit appears on the edges of the flat pads of the cactus and has a shape similar to a pear. The Agave plant is a hardy and unique succulent that has been used extensively throughout history. And clean any wounds no matter how small with peroxide or other disinfectant. Discontinue feeding if the plant starts producing weak or spindly growth. You are making me thirsty! Call a doctor, veterinarian or poison control if any part of the plant is chewed or eaten just to be safe. However, this sap is only appears when the plant is cut. What Is The Difference Between Cactus And Aloe Vera? However, theyre not the friendliest plants when it comes to pets and young children who can often prick themselves easily when going past them. Another option is to divide the root ball into manageable sections so that the removal can be completed more quickly. #watchout Photo by Monika Maeckle, Then I tried setting the agave on fire using kindling and later charcoal fire starter. With four-wheel drive engaged, I stepped on the, Agave graveyard: Discarded Agaves lay on the rocky watershed where they cant make contact with soil and resprout. Agave cactus leaves are toothed along the edges and have needle-like points at the ends. It seemed like this spike went right into my vein. This explains the reaction to saponins being literally injected under the skin by a stiff yucca spine. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if the sap gets on exposed skin. Agave Plant - Stabbed By Agave Is The Agave Poisonous Or Toxic / Native to the southwest, agave plants can reach heights of up to 7 feet. Agave americana blooms only once in its lifetime. Depending on the species of agave, parts of the plant are dangerous and should be avoided. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In this article, well explain the proper methods to remove a spiky agave cactus, as well as provide tips on how to avoid any potential damage or injury. 2023 www.desertsun.com. Its already been labeled unwelcome and invasive in sand dunes, where it overwhelms all competitors. Agave cactus leaves are toothed along the edges and have needle-like points at the ends. These sharp points can jab and stick in clothing and skin on humans and in fur on pets. This is Agave tequilanathe agave tequila is made from. Is it possible to prevent plant thorn arthritis? Dr. Kelly Lyons, a grass expert at Trinity University, suggests the plant be put on the watch list as potentially invasive. Rat Study Raises Concerns, AHA News: Mediterranean Lifestyle, Not Just Diet, May Greatly Improve Health, FDA Panel Backs Pfizer's RSV Vaccine for Older Americans. stands out among other succulent plants with its symmetrical shape and striking flower display, which features masses of large, waxy flowers atop a stalk that can reach 40 feet in height, according to North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service. With a lifespan between 10 and 30 years, the agave shoots one dramatic stalk yards into the sky. How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions. Important message here, if its not native plant with care!! This is a cultivar of the main Sansevieria trifasciata and gets its name from the slightly silvery hue on its green leaves. If your Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , United States Department of Agriculture: Agave Lechuguilla. One time the whole hand swelled up to the size of a grapefruit from a single yucca stab. This may last up to three weeks. While plant thorn arthritis is technically noninfectious, these two forms of infectious arthritis can occur from plant thorn puncture of a joint, with or without true plant thorn arthritis. When planting an Agave succulent, its best to give it plenty of room to mature. Yet when I study all my botany books there's never a reference to this toxicity whatsoever except for one line: "Recognizing the effectiveness of saponins as hemolytic compound, the Ramah Navajo used the sap from leaves as arrow-tip poison" (Vestal 1952). If you decide you didnt plant them in the right place and want them out, remove all the pups on a regular basis, this will force the mother plant to bloom (over time). Apply a broad-spectrum insecticide in early spring if your agave is infected. Agave nectar is low in glucose and therefore doesnt spike blood sugar levels much. Plant thorn arthritis is a noninfectious inflammation of a joint as a result of a thorn puncturing the joint and leaving residual plant matter lodged within the joint. The sap in the leaves of Agave is toxic to pets and humans. The actual blooming process takes the better part of a year, and as the flowers develop, the mother plant starts to decline, taking about another year. The other type of cactus which is particularly popular in Mexico and Southeast Asia is the dragon fruit. This will remove all the small spines. interchangeable wedding ring set Likes. Propagating an Agave Plant YouTube. Sasha Degnan is a freelance writer and educator specializing in gardening and horticulture. Once you have successfully removed all the needles from the wound the area should be cleaned and disinfected before applying an antibiotic ointment to ensure that there are no bacterial infections. Another positive some might find is that Agave Blue Glow has no other spines past the colorful terminal spine. "I used to transplant yuccas in the high desert when I was a kid. When fully grown, Agave americana can reach heights of up to sixteen feet, making it an ideal plant for a garden. This arthritis persists until the fragments are removed with a surgical operation. I was always getting stuck in the back of my hands and it hurt like hell. Posted at 20:54h in police superintendent transfer by tyson fury next fight. It is a wound so we watch for signs of infection. It is important to ensure that the removal is done properly, as the plant can become damaged if the stalk is not removed properly. Despite being a slow-growing plant, it performs well as a potted plant and, in fact, does not outrun the pot, though it does occasionally sucker. There is, however, a risk associated with the use of Agave plants; you must be aware of these risks and take the necessary precautions. There are so many. Agave syrup predominantly consists of fructose and some glucose, along with water, as well as small amounts of other carbohydrates, fat, polyols and vitamins and minerals. That reminds me of my war with the dandelions that are trying to take over my frogfruit. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Cattle steer clear of the plant unless there is a food shortage or a drought. A more common symptom of exposure to agave plants is skin irritation or dermatitis. The The plant literally shed tears as water drooled down the sides of its sword like leaves. Website by Monica Hemingway, Design Ideas from an Arizona Artists Garden. How about more on hand what can we do with, in my case, > than two dozen caterpillars with freezing temps for the next week! It is unlikely that the stalks of the stalks of the plant will survive by cutting them off before the blooms. I was poked in the hand by the pointy end of an agave americana. Others listed experience with an external contaminant that caused an infection such as tetanus or staph. Remember to work slowly, or you could further damage the injured tissue. assisted them in landscaping one fine weekend day. Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. They will freeze on occasion, even in the ground. Weekender that at best is every other week, more often every other month. Frustrated, one day I convinced my older son Nicolas to get out the chainsaw. unsure of how to deal with this pain or what we can do to make it a hurry to get the pruning completed so as not slow the construction of a block I decided to tackle the out-of-control succulents, which by this time, stood taller than my five-foot-six-inch frame. I try to soak in warm or hot soapy water with either chlorine bleach or Epsom salts added that evening. If youve been stabbed by an Agave plant, wash your wounds with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage to protect your skin. However, chronic arthritis eventually develops even long after the plant thorn injury because of the thorn fragments remaining in the joint. Have you ever asked Are agave plants toxic or poisonous. According to Dr. Kelly Lyons, a Trinity University expert, the plant should be placed on the watch list.. The joint lining tissue is called the synovium. Intrigued by this seeming fortress surrounding the agaves, I researched and learned that the thick agave leaves, plump with water, also contain stringy sisal fiber that native peoples and later Westerners used to weave baskets, rugs, ropes and blankets. Gopher tortoises, and as many as hundreds of other animals will share the burrow. Enjoy The Unique Flavors Of Cactus Salad: A Healthy And Delicious Summertime Dish, Obtaining A Permit To Relocate A Saguaro Cactus In Arizona, The Dangers And Benefits Of Using Vinegar On Miniature Cacti, Watering Your Cactus Tips And Tricks For A Healthy And Thriving Plant. This can be done by applying very gentle pressure around the wound, but not directly to it. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and pseudogout. Agave plants add beauty to landscaping, but they also pose a risk to people and pets with their sharp spines and mildly toxic sap, which can cause a range of symptoms, from swelling to blisters. The puncture holes close immediately and rarely bleed either, so it's hard to find them until they finally scab over. Fructose consumption has been linked to increased belly fat, fatty liver disease, and a variety of health issues. It can add a lot of value to an xeriscape, but it comes with some risks. Doctors who perform operative treatments include orthopedic surgeons and plastic surgeons. Alternatively, you can separate the root ball into smaller sections to allow it to pass through more easily. Using an arc, cut the shovel into the ground near the center of the Agave. It looked familiar to me because I've had holes like that in my skin too. These symptoms may be noticed only many days after the initial thorn puncture. Place the cut surfaces of the cuttings on a window sill until they are healed. Agave desmettiana bloom stalks turn from green to red as they mature. After clearing as many baby agaves as we could to gain access to the base, my friend Kelly and I wrapped a chain around the rosette and attached it to my Toyota 4Runner. Risk factors for plant thorn arthritis include: Plant thorn arthritis typically affects only a single joint -- the joint that was pierced by the plant thorn. Some decorative plants such as pampas grass look soft but actually have. The plants that commonly cause plant thorn arthritis are those that produce thorns. If the skin is pierced deeply enough by the needle-like ends of the leaf from a vigorously growing plant this can also cause blood vessels in the surrounding area to erupt and an area some 6-7cm across appear to be bruised. If the wound, after several hours, is still hurting or showing signs of redness and swelling that is usually indication that you may need to visit a doctor to ensure that the wound is not getting infected. Although most instances of contact dermatitis from agave plants are minor, it is best to consult with a doctor if a rash forms, particularly if the person has a history of severe allergic reactions. Stabbed By Agave? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2020 Texas Butterfly Ranch | All Rights Reserved The surgical operation that can cure plant thorn arthritis is called a synovectomy with joint lavage (joint washout cleaning).