Atropa belladonna

Atropa belladonna, commonly known as deadly nightshade or belladonna, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the nightshade family Solanaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The foliage and berries are extremely toxic, containing tropane alkaloids. These toxins include scopolamine and hyoscyamine, which cause a bizarre delirium and hallucinations, and are also used as pharmaceutical anticholinergics.

Description

The Atropa belladonna plant is a branching herb growing to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) tall with 18 cm (7.1 in) long ovate leaves. The bell-shaped flowers are dull purple with green tinges and faintly scented. The fruits are berries, which are green when unripe, turning to a shiny-black as they ripen.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids. The berries pose the greatest danger to children because they look attractive and have a somewhat sweet taste. The consumption of two to five berries by a human adult is probably lethal. The root of the plant is generally the most toxic part, though this can vary from one specimen to another.

Uses

Despite the danger, Atropa belladonna has a long history of medicinal use. Its extracts were used for cosmetic purposes by women in Ancient Rome, and in the Middle Ages, it was used in anesthetic potions. Today, it is used in homeopathy and for the production of certain pharmaceuticals.

Cultivation

Atropa belladonna is rarely used in gardens, but, when grown, it is usually for its large upright habit and showy berries. It is naturalized in parts of North America, where it is often found in shady, moist locations with limestone-rich soils. It is considered a weed species in parts of the world, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, pastures, and disturbed areas.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Solanaceae
• Tropane alkaloid