Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: I need some information about the Rosary Pea for a book...
QUESTION:
I am writing to inquire about the Plant listed on your page as the Rosery
Pea (Abrus Precatorius)
In doing research for a novel I was looking on the internet for poisonous
plants and came across your page. I seem to have all of the information I
need about it's origin and the affects that it would have on humans if
ingested, but I was wondering if you weren't too awfully busy if you could
answer a few quick questions for me. And no I'm not going to kill my
husband.
But my character is going to kill hers.
So what I need to know is how long this 'seed' would take to do it's
business. Would he be ill for days or would the effects be relatively
quick?
ANSWER:
If eaten, it takes time for the intestinal tract to be destroyed and the the
subject would be very ill and get sicker as time went on.
QUESTION:
Is there a test to detect the toxin Abrin or an antitoxin?
ANSWER:
The army is working on an antitoxin and a test could be developed, but don't know
if one has been made commercially available.
QUESTION:
Shall I have him rushed to the hospital,
ANSWER:
If he knows he has been poisoned with something deadly.
QUESTION:
only to be diagnosed with the flu and then kick the
bucket later in his sleep? Or shall I leave him at the kitchen table with
his face in his plate?
ANSWER:
I don't think it would work that fast and if it is boiled in soup, the protein
lectin responsible might well be denatured and rendered less harmful, but I would
not bet my life on it.
QUESTION:
Kidding of course, but this information would help
me to understand which direction to take.
One more thing. These plants are only in Canada?
ANSWER:
Only as house plants. They are found in Mexico and South. I don't think they
grow outdoors in most of the US, much less the Great White North.
QUESTION:
But if they are used for
houseplants, I suppose a person in the states could order one from a
gardening magazine?
ANSWER:
Doubtful.