Plants with White Liquid Inside What is it and Why Does it Occur?
Many plants contain a white, milky liquid inside their stems and leaves This liquid is known as latex and it serves an important purpose for the plant. In this article, we’ll explore what latex is, which plants contain it, and why it exists
What is Latex?
Latex is a milky white fluid found in the cells of some plant species. It is produced by specialized cells called laticifers. Latex is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, and gums. It serves several key functions for plants.
Protective Barrier
One of the main roles of latex is to act as a protective barrier. When a plant is damaged and starts leaking latex, the latex can help seal the wound and prevent infection by microorganisms. The latex essentially forms a “scab” over the wound.
Deter Herbivores
Latex also helps deter herbivores from feeding on the plant. The bitter taste and toxicity of the latex make plants less palatable. The thick, gooey consistency also helps immobilize small herbivorous insects like aphids. So latex helps protect plants from being completely eaten.
Healing Properties
Interestingly, the latex from certain plants also has healing properties for humans. Latex from the opium poppy is used to make medicinal opioids. And latex from the Para rubber tree is used to make medical gloves, catheters, and other medical equipment.
Which Plants Contain Latex?
Many common house and garden plants produce latex, including:
-
Euphorbia (Spurge) – This genus contains over 2,000 species that ooze white latex. Euphorbia latex is toxic and irritating.
-
Ficus (Rubber Plant, Weeping Fig) – The white sap from Ficus trees can cause skin irritation.
-
Asclepias (Milkweed) – Named for its milky latex, milkweed sap is toxic.
-
Carica papaya (Papaya) – Young papaya fruits and stems exude irritating white latex.
-
Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree) – The Rubber Tree is named for its latex which is used to make rubber products.
Other latex-producing plants include poinsettias, figs, lettuce, poppies, dandelions, and chickweed. Plants from the dogbane, spurge, and milkweed families are particularly prone to producing latex.
Is Latex Toxic to Humans?
For many latex-containing plants, the sap can irritate the skin and eyes. And it can cause dangerous toxicity if ingested. Latex often contains complex toxins and chemicals that help defend the plant against predators.
The milky sap of Euphorbias like the Crown of Thorns plant can cause severe skin and eye irritation. And ingestion can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even death. Milkweed sap contains toxic cardiac glycosides which can also be fatal if ingested.
However, not all plants with latex are toxic. Dandelion sap can cause minor skin irritation but is not poisonous. And rubber tree latex can be processed to remove toxins.
What to Do if Exposed to Latex
If you come in contact with a plant’s latex sap, take care to avoid spreading it and contaminating other surfaces. Immediately wash the affected area with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes after contact. The sap can cause severe eye inflammation and damage.
If you experience any symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, or blurry vision, seek medical care. If latex gets in your mouth or is swallowed, call poison control right away.
Take Precautions when Handling Latex Plants
When handling plants known to contain latex, wear gloves and exercise caution. Use clippers rather than pulling plants apart to minimize latex exposure. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth.
Only ingest plant materials you are certain of the identity and safety of. Many plants with white sap are highly toxic. Educate children on the dangers of latex sap.
What is the Purpose of Latex in Plants?
Latex serves several critical roles in plants:
- Sealing wounds
- Preventing disease and insect infection
- Deterring herbivores
- Reducing water loss
- Storing carbohydrates and proteins
- Healing damaged tissue
So while the milky white liquid can be an irritant, it’s a very useful substance that helps plants survive and defend themselves. The next time you see white sap oozing from a plant, you’ll know it’s the plant’s own natural protective agent at work!
Mealybugs or What is that White Fuzzy Stuff on my Plants
FAQ
Why is my plant oozing white stuff?
What is the white liquid discharge from plants?
What is the white liquid in plants called?
What is the milky fluid in plants?
Which plants produce milky sap?
Species from other plant families, such as Daisy, Dogbane, and Mulberry, release a latex that would not trigger much, or very light, irritation to the skin. These plants are safe for your home and garden. In the next section, we will go into detail about the toxicity of each of these plants.
Why do plants produce milky sap?
It is similar to plants with developed thorns. Another reason for plants to produce milky sap is to heal injured parts faster. When the plant tissues are broken, the plant releases latex that hardens quickly and seals the wound, thereby preventing infection or fluid loss.
Do milky latex stems Wilt?
The milky latex sap must coagulate inside the stems so the stems do not wilt. Immediately after you sever the stems from plants, place the cut ends in water that you’ve heated to just below boiling point, keeping the bracts away from the steam. After one minute, remove the stems from the hot water and immerse them in cool water.
Why does my Poinsettia bleed white sap?
If your potted poinsettia bleeds white sap, it has sustained an injury. It’s easy to spot sap oozing from a poinsettia plant because of the watery but white latex composition. This whiteness contrasts with the dark green of leaves, or the various colors of the bracts. Only on white- or cream-colored bracts would the sap be slightly camouflaged.
Why does my Cactus ooze white sap when injured?
When a Cactus is injured, such as when spines are removed, it oozes white sap as a defence mechanism to help the plant begin to heal.
Are white cactus poisonous?
It is a large thorny cactus with branches. The highly toxic white sap is carcinogenic and can cause severe blistering if touched and blindness when coming into contact with the eye. It is used as an arrow poison by Bushmen during hunting. It is not recommended to grow this plant as a houseplant, although some nurseries do sell this.