Tamus communis

Tamus communis, also known as Black Bryony, is a species of flowering plant in the yam family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.

Description

Tamus communis is a climbing plant, growing to 2–4 m (7–13 ft) tall with twining stems. The leaves are spirally arranged, heart-shaped, up to 10 cm (4 in) long and 8 cm (3 in) broad, with a petiole up to 5 cm (2 in) long. It is a dioecious species, with separate male and female plants. The flowers are individually inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, 3–6 mm diameter, with six petals; the male flowers produced in slender 5–10 cm racemes, the female flowers in shorter clusters. The fruit is a bright red berry, 1 cm diameter.

Distribution and habitat

Tamus communis is widespread throughout Europe, from Ireland and Portugal east to Ukraine and Turkey, and also in northwest Africa in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. It is typically found in hedgerows, woodlands, and along the edges of fields.

Uses

The root of Tamus communis has been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for bruises and rheumatic complaints. However, all parts of the plant, particularly the berries, are highly toxic and can cause severe stomach upset if ingested.

Toxicity

All parts of Tamus communis are toxic, but the red berries are particularly so. They contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Skin contact with the plant can also cause dermatitis.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Dioscoreaceae

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