ESCALLONIACEAE

This family of 150 species in 7 genera constitutes an ill-defined group of woody plants related to the Saxifragaceae and considered by some to belong in the Grossulariaceae. They are found mostly in tropical South America and in Australasia.

Two species of Argophyllum J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. are known to have the ability to hyperaccumulate nickel from the soil and hence may be considered to be potential dermatological hazards.

Argophyllum J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.

Jaffré et al. (1979) reported that two of the 11 species in this tropical Australian and New Caledonian genus have the ability to hyperaccumulate nickel from soils rich in this element. The contact sensitising capacity of nickel and its salts is well documented (Malten et al. 1976, Cronin 1980).

References

• [Yet to be added. Details available on request]

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