Red bryony facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Red bryony
Scientific classification
Genus:	Bryonia
Species:	dioica

Bryonia dioica, also known as red bryony or white bryony, is a plant that grows like a vine. It is also sometimes called English mandrake or ladies' seal. This plant grows year after year, which means it is a perennial plant. It is native to parts of Central and Southern Europe.

White bryony is a flowering plant that belongs to the cucumber family, called Cucurbitaceae. Its leaves have five points, and its flowers can be blue or white. The vine also grows small red berries.

Is White Bryony Dangerous?

It is important to know that Bryonia dioica is generally harmful to humans. If the juice from the plant touches your skin, it can cause a rash or even sores.

Eating any part of the plant, especially the berries, is very dangerous. Even a small amount can cause your stomach to hurt a lot, making you feel sick and throw up. Eating larger amounts can be even more serious, leading to problems like feeling very worried, being unable to move parts of your body, or even death.

However, the seed inside the berry is different. It is safe to eat and is sometimes used in cooking in Western Europe, often in dishes with starch.

White Bryony in History

People have sometimes used white bryony in herbal remedies in the past. In the Middle Ages, some people believed that this plant could help cure serious diseases like leprosy.

The root of the white bryony plant can grow very large. It can be about 75 centimeters (about 30 inches) long and 75 millimeters (about 3 inches) thick. A famous writer named John Gerard wrote in his book Herball in 1597 about a root that weighed a lot. He said it was as big as a one-year-old child!

People can collect the root of the plant at any time of the year when it is fresh. They can also dig it up in the autumn and dry it to use later.

Gallery

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  Flowers of Bryonia dioica

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See also

In Spanish: Bryonia dioica para niños