Pencil Tree Sap Injury: Euphorbia Latex Causes Severe Eye Damage

Pencil tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) produces highly caustic latex sap. Eye contact causes severe burning, blurred vision, dizziness—potential corneal damage and blindness without immediate treatment. All Euphorbia species (including poinsettia) should be considered hazardous. Similarly, elephant ear and relatives (spathiphyllum, dieffenbachia, caladium) contain calcium oxalate crystals causing intense oral irritation, swelling, and swallowing difficulty. Plants defend themselves chemically as well as physically.