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Deadly Nightshade / BelladonnaπΏ
Atropa belladonna
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A perennial in the nightshade family, native from Europe to Western Asia. All parts contain atropine and scopolamine β powerful anticholinergic alkaloids that make it highly poisonous. The name (Italian for 'beautiful lady') refers to the historic use of its pupil-dilating effect for cosmetics. Modern uses include mydriatics and antispasmodics. Iconic as a witch's potion and assassin's drug in literature. Bears bell-shaped purple-brown flowers and black berries.
Identification Points
- βNodding bell-shaped brown-purple flowers
- βGlossy black berries (lethal to adults in 2β5 fruits)
- βOvate alternate leaves, 1.5 m tall
Habitat
Forests and thickets (native); cultivated (medicinal)
Season
June to August (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Ovate
Growth form
Herb
Flower color
Purple
Flowering season
Summer
Habitat
Forest
Phylogenetic PositionγγΉη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core Eudicots > Solanales > Solanaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (ca. 50 million years ago)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification