Mezereum

Mezereum is a plant species in the genus Daphne in the family Thymelaeaceae. It is native to most of Europe and Western Asia. It is a deciduous shrub, usually growing to 1.5 m tall. The leaves are soft, 3–8 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, arranged spirally on the stems. The flowers are produced in clusters on the bare stems before the leaves appear; they have a four-lobed pink or light purple (rarely white) perianth 10–15 mm diameter, and strongly scented. The fruit is a bright red berry 7–12 mm diameter; it is very poisonous for humans and livestock, but eaten by various birds, which disperse the seeds in their droppings.

Description

The Mezereum plant is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 1.5 meters. Its leaves are soft, measuring 3–8 cm in length and 1–2 cm in width, and are arranged spirally on the stems. The flowers of the Mezereum plant are produced in clusters on the bare stems before the leaves appear. These flowers have a four-lobed pink or light purple (rarely white) perianth that is 10–15 mm in diameter and strongly scented.

Distribution and habitat

Mezereum is native to most of Europe and Western Asia. It is typically found in woodland areas and scrubland.

Toxicity

The fruit of the Mezereum plant is a bright red berry that is 7–12 mm in diameter. This fruit is highly toxic to humans and livestock. However, it is consumed by various bird species, which disperse the seeds in their droppings.

Uses

Despite its toxicity, Mezereum has been used in traditional medicine. However, due to its high toxicity, it is rarely used today.

See also

• Daphne (plant)
• Thymelaeaceae

Mezereum Resources
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