Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp) are tropical perennial herbs which are native from South America. They are grown outdoors in subtropical climates and kept as inside houseplants elsewhere. Peace lilies have green elliptical leaves and white or greenish spathe flowers.
The leaves of this plant contain raphides, which are tiny, needle-shaped crystals made up of calcium oxalate. When the plant tissues are damaged, the raphides shoot out the idioblasts, which act like tiny needles, cutting into the lining of the mouth, esophagus, and/or gastrointestinal tract of the bird. Since raphides also contain toxic proteins, the lacerations made by the raphides allow these compounds to enter through the wounds, causing intense pain and harm to the surrounding tissues.
