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BELLADONNA
(Atropa belladonna)
deadly nightshade, poison black cherry
Description:
Poison perennial up to 5 ft. high, with thick, creeping, whitish,
fleshy rootstock that sends up an erect, leafy stem which usually
splits into 3 branches. Dull green, ovate leaves grow in pairs,
one leaf being half as large as the other. Flowers are solitary,
axillary, bell-shaped, purple-brown to green, the dark fruit is
sweet-tasting, black shiny, cherry-size berry. Eastern U.S. in
shade, alkaline soil.
Medicinal,
Toxic: Leaves, root are narcotic, sedative. Used in dilating
the eye pupils, respiratory problems, rheumatic and muscular pain,
a stomach sedative, reduces nasal secretions. To be used only
under medical supervision. All parts are very poisonous.
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