Manzanita branch ok for BPs?

[Minjo]

I know that I can't have evergreen branches but can a manzanita branch be used? I know that BPs don't need a branch but I do have one that does like to climb and I just want a safe hardy branch that can be used. Since I live in a rainforest that is mostly evergreens, trying to get one out in the forest or beach is not going to happen.

[kc261]

Manzanita is gorgeous. It'll look awesome if you do it.

I thought I remembered having been told as a kid that manzanita is poisonous, so I googled to confirm that before posting, and, at least according to the wikipedia article, quite the opposite is true. There are some medicinal and culinary uses listed.

The wikipedia article also mentions that manzanita is frequently used as perches for parrots, and in aquariums. This leads me to believe that it would be perfectly safe, as parrots will chew on their perches and if there was anything toxic in the branches, it would leach out into the water in an aquarium. I wouldn't blindly trust wikipedia, but it at least gives you some directions to further your research.

If you do decide to try it, you should treat it in order to prevent transmission of any sort of nasties.

[Minjo]

Thanks. I will look into it


Minjo
1.0 genetic stripe (Kanubis Ihmotep)
0.0.1 normal (Miss Snakey Balla Masquerade aka Balla)
3.0 cats ( DK, Todor, Max)

[Pythonfriend]

i would not be too worried with wood from nature. if you store it for a few months, and there is no resin coming out, and then wash it properly and let it dry and it has a good surface, no stickiness from any resin, you are fine.

and if you find branches on the beach where the bark is gone and you get a nice smooth finish, these are also nice. wash with fresh water, store a few months, wash again, and youre fine.

i think people are overly cautious when it comes to natural stuff. what you dont want is wood that has a strong smell, or that is too fresh, or that can still sweat resin. You want it bone dry, clean, insect and mold free, free of smell, not splintery. And if a dead branch is hanging in a tree or lying on a dry place on the ground or has been drifting in the sea, you just need to judge if its good enough and clean enough. then wash it and put it in the garage for 6 months, check again, and youre fine.

i dont buy all that "this wood or that wood is dangerous"..... if it has been exposed to sun and weather for long enough and dead for long enough, then no its not dangerous. and 6+ months of dry storage give additional certainty.

[Kaorte]

Yes manzanita branches are just fine. I always see piles of them for sale at shows. Many people use them in their display enclosures.