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Article The dangers of this common plant

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Popular plant the cause of several traumatic injuries in recent years.

A new study has revealed at least 28 people have been stabbed in the ear by the yucca plant since 2012.

Doctors are warning people to be weary of the spiky plant after an increase in ear trauma cases, shares Daily Mail.

Professor Stephen O’Leary, one of the authors of the study, told Sydney Morning Herald the plant poses a legitimate threat, even if it sounds laughable.

‘You wouldn’t think that a little pointy leaf that goes into your ear could possibly cause serious injury [but] it’s more like a fencing sword; it’s narrow enough to get right down through the ear drum,’ Professor O’Leary said.

While Professor O’Leary couldn’t say exactly how people were being injured by the plant, he guessed in an attempt to shield their eyes while moving the plant, patients have exposed their ears.

‘You might want to think about giving it a bit of a haircut – and just think about where those spiky little fronds are pointing,’ Professor O’Leary said.

Do you have any of the popular plant in your garden?

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Comments

  • I had one growing. Foolishly I admired the beautiful cream flowers on them (well, I thought they were) and was given a plant. I didn’t realise until it grew too tall and wide so it needed cutting back. Did I get a shock? They only way to not get “stabbed” by it in your hand was to wear good leather gloves that went part way up your arm. The sharp ends went straight through standard –
    good quality garden. It took me ages to get rid of the wretched pest, even trying to poison it.

    Reply

  • I would have thought there would have been more eye than ear injuries with this plant.

    Reply

  • Good to be careful. But how in the world do you stick these in your ears ?!

    Reply

  • Most of my garden injuries have come from roses and the thorns!

    • Also; injuries from other plants and shrubs – it happens when in the garden.

    Reply

  • Wear safety goggles and hearing muffs?!!

    Reply

  • I never thought about the risks for your ear. I found it such a gorgeous plant!!

    Reply

  • These have never appealed to me so, no, I don’t have any! Good warning for others though!

    Reply

  • I cut out millions of these when we bought our house. I think I was lucky to escape in tact.

    Reply
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