Mother of millions is a pestilent weed and according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), five kilograms of the poisonous plant is enough to kill a cow if ingested.
Mother of millions is considered a serious weed on the North West Slopes and Plains. It is the most visible and toxic during its flowering season from May to September.
It is poisonous to not just livestock but also humans and pets when ingested.
According to the DPI, mother of millions is poisonous due to bufadienolides, a chemical compound that causes heart failure.
Mother of millions, hybrid mother of millions and resurrection plant are all toxic, with mother of millions and hybrid mother of millions the most poisonous.
The entire plant is toxic, but it is the distinctive red flowers which are the most lethal – five times more poisonous than the leaves and stems.
Livestock that have consumed a large quantity of the toxic plant will often die suddenly of heart failure.
If they have eaten a smaller amount over a few days, symptoms such as diarrhoea, drooling and dribbling urine may develop. Some stock that consumed a minimal amount may recover if their hearts are not too damaged while others will succumb to heart failure.
If farmers are worried stock may have eaten mother of millions, the NSW DPI advises they consult a vet immediately.
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