Thapsia villosa

Matera Tapsia Villosa 11-05-2022 13-30-04

Matera Thapsia Villosa 11-05-2022 13-30-04

Thapsia villosa matureSeeds Closeup Puertollano

Thapsia villosa MHNT.BOT.2007.40.155

Thapsia villosa StemandLeavesPuertollano

Thapsia villosa InflorescenceCloseupPuertollano

Thapsia villosa, commonly known as the deadly carrot, is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean Basin, particularly found in regions such as Spain, Portugal, and North Africa. The plant is known for its toxic properties and has been used historically in traditional medicine.

Description

Thapsia villosa is a perennial herb that can grow up to 2 meters in height. The plant has a robust, erect stem that is often covered with fine hairs. The leaves are large, pinnate, and divided into numerous linear segments. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in large, compound umbels. The fruit is a schizocarp, which splits into two mericarps when mature.

Habitat

Thapsia villosa typically grows in dry, rocky soils and is often found in open woodlands, scrublands, and along roadsides. It prefers sunny locations and can tolerate a range of soil types, although it thrives best in well-drained soils.

Toxicity

The plant contains several toxic compounds, including thapsigargin, which can cause severe irritation and blistering upon contact with the skin. Ingestion of the plant can lead to gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. Due to its toxic nature, Thapsia villosa should be handled with care, and it is not recommended for use in herbal medicine without proper knowledge and caution.

Uses

Despite its toxicity, Thapsia villosa has been used in traditional medicine for its purported analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts from the plant have been studied for their potential use in modern medicine, particularly in the development of cancer treatments.

Related Species

Thapsia villosa is closely related to other species in the Thapsia genus, such as Thapsia garganica and Thapsia maxima. These species share similar morphological characteristics and habitats.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Thapsia villosa has not been extensively studied, but it is not currently listed as endangered. However, habitat destruction and overharvesting could pose potential threats to its populations in the wild.

Gallery

• Thapsia villosa plant.jpg

  Thapsia villosa in its natural habitat

• Thapsia villosa flower.jpg

  Close-up of Thapsia villosa flowers

See Also

• Apiaceae
• Thapsia
• Thapsigargin
• Traditional medicine