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One of the plant's common names, dumb cane, refers to the effect of the sap if eaten.—Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2023 Maculata/seguine, commonly known as spotted dumb cane because its sap can cause irritation of the mouth, is a popular species featuring narrow green leaves with irregular white markings.—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2021
Word History
Etymology
from the fact that chewing it causes the tongue and throat to swell
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