Englishirises
The Heart Stopping and Seductive Desert Rose
The Heart Stopping and Seductive Desert Rose – Adenium obesum produces a sap in its roots and stems that contains cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides are organic compounds containing a glycoside (sugar) that acts on the contractile force of the cardiac muscle. Because of their potency in disrupting the function of the heart, most plants are extremely toxic. These glycosides are found as secondary metabolites in several plants, and in some insects, such as the Milkweed Butterflies, that consume the plants. Interestingly, the sap is used as arrow poison for hunting large game throughout much of Africa and as a fish toxin. [via wikipedia.org][*Photograph: Copyright (2011–) LISA P. OLINER]
The Heart Stopping and Seductive Desert Rose
The Heart Stopping and Seductive Desert Rose – Adenium obesum produces a sap in its roots and stems that contains cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides are organic compounds containing a glycoside (sugar) that acts on the contractile force of the cardiac muscle. Because of their potency in disrupting the function of the heart, most plants are extremely toxic. These glycosides are found as secondary metabolites in several plants, and in some insects, such as the Milkweed Butterflies, that consume the plants. Interestingly, the sap is used as arrow poison for hunting large game throughout much of Africa and as a fish toxin. [via wikipedia.org][*Photograph: Copyright (2011–) LISA P. OLINER]