WHAT SAY YOU ?

The Tongue Tree of Genie or also known as the Mother-In-Law Tongue Tree is gaining a place in the hearts of women to be used as decoration in the house.

However, a chemist, Dr. Fatimah Salim expressed concern over the storage of trees with the scientific name Sansevieria Trifasciata in the house, especially if planted in containers using soil can reproduce microorganisms which in turn affects the health of certain groups.

According to Fello Researcher at the Atta-ur-Rahman Natural Compound Research Institute (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor, the soil is the most conducive place for independent microorganisms due to its high content of organic, inorganic, and mineral substances.

"Each type of soil is inhabited by different microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, actinomycetes, and ciliata. Each gram of fertile soil contains 10 billion cells of microorganisms especially close to the roots of the tree (rhizosphere).

"That is why land should not be kept indoors, let alone for individuals with weakened immune systems because they will be easily affected by the presence of these microorganisms," said Dr. Fatimah.

Dr. Fatimah who is also a senior lecturer in chemistry, UiTM Foundation Center, Dengkil, Selangor said there are alternatives to the soil if you want to keep the tree in the house including expanded clay or Leca, coconut fiber, rice husk, 'perlite' which is a type of mineral from eruptions mount or using hydroponic methods.

"You can also use water only, but you should diligently change it to avoid mosquitoes laying eggs and reduce independent microorganisms. The activity of microorganisms are easily detected by the presence of unpleasant odors from containers or parts that are submerged as if they are mossy, ”she explained.

(source official Facebook Pusat Racun Negara)

Meanwhile, the Pusat Racun Negara on June 7 uploaded a status on the official Facebook page advising the public, especially if you have small children, to be careful because the tree contains active ingredients known as Saponins which can cause mild symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes if ingested.

In addition, it may also cause more severe symptoms in pets such as dogs or cats such as excessive saliva production, poor appetite, lethargy, and vomiting.

"In the excitement of planting this contagious tree indoors, be sure to be especially vigilant if you have small children, they may be exposed to the active ingredient Saponin which is at risk of poisoning," according to the status.

 

A survey at a nursery in Jalan Kulim here found that the demand for Mother-In-Law Tounge trees increased after it became contagious, which is said to be able to clean the air, causing operators to frequently increase the supply obtained from Cameron Highlands.

The manager and owner of Kinari Nursery Diyana Insani, 25, said she had been selling the tree since it started operating three years ago, but the current demand was deemed unusual because the plant is now contagious on social media.

"After the infection, sometimes up to 10 people come a day to find and buy, if before this was a little less," she said, selling at prices between RM8 to RM40 according to size and complete with vases.

According to Diyana, the care of the tree is very simple, it only needs to be watered at least twice a week, remove the dry leaves and the plant can live for a long time if placed in a suitable place.