POISONOUS AND INJURIOUS PLANTS 65 
BN—13201 
FIGURE 35.—Hollowstalk (Leonotis nepetaefolia (L.) R. Br.) 
they thrive best in full sun on deep, fertile soils with ample rainfall. 
Seeds germinate when sufficient moisture is present. The plants com- 
pete well with other plants wherever the ground has been disturbed. 
Seed production is copious. 
Toxiciry AND Symproms.—Hollowstalk leaves have short hairs, 
which are irritating to the skin of susceptible individuals; contact 
with the leaves by susceptible persons causes a burning rash to occur 
(21). Pollen from the plant can induce hay fever and should be 
avoided by persons who are subject to the disease. The leaves of the 
plant are used as a food for rabbits in the Virgin Islands. However, 
feeding trials show the leaves to be toxic to chicks, and the plant 
should be considered potentially harmful to poultry. 
