Atropa belladonna
Family: Solanaceae TOXIC
Herbaceous perennial. Native to central and southern Europe.
Light green plant likes plenty of shade. Bell shaped flowers give
way to large, soft, shining black berries with purple juice. All
parts of the plant are potentially toxic. Dry leaf contains
atropine and scopalamine which are narcotic and antispasmodic in effect.
A preparation of the root has been used to reduce swelling of tumors.
The fresh juice of the berries was once used as a drop to dilate the eyes--as
a beauty device--thus the latin name which translates “beautiful woman.”
A very charming and insidious plant. Cultivation: Extra care.
Soak seed for one day in water at room temperature, chill for 24 hours,
then sow in the greenhouse. Very slow to germ (beginning in 2 weeks,
still more seeds germinating after 6 weeks), and slow-growing at first.
Requires partial to full shade. Space plants 2 feet apart.
Grows to 3 feet tall.
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