Tulipa hybrid

Tulipa L. Liliaceae hybrid tulip Distribution: From Spain to China. Commercially the centre of horticultural production is the Netherlands where three billion are produced annually. Of medical interest is the sap which contains Tuliposide A, which is converted to Tulipalin A which causes an allergic dermatitis in people exposed to it (tulip farmers and florists) and is toxic to animals and man. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting and excess salivation proceeding if a lot has been eaten, to convulsions, coma, and death. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.