Deadly nightshade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deadly nightshade |
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Atropa
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| Atropa belladonna |
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The Deadly nightshade or belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is a famous and tough plant. It is a perennial shrub, meaning it lives for many years. This plant belongs to the nightshade family.
It first grew in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. You can also find it in North America, but it is not as common there. Deadly nightshade usually grows in shade, as it does not like direct sunlight. It often prefers places where the soil has a lot of limestone.
Contents
Why Deadly Nightshade Is Dangerous
Most parts of the deadly nightshade plant are very poisonous. Even a small amount can be harmful. For example, eating just three berries has been enough to cause death in children. One leaf can contain enough poison to kill an adult. The root of the plant usually has the most poison.
The main poison found in this plant is called atropine. This substance is very powerful.
How Belladonna Affects the Body
If someone is poisoned by atropine, they might experience several effects. Their pupils (the black centers of their eyes) will become very big. They might also have hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that are not real. Their vision may become blurry, making it hard to focus.
Other signs include trouble standing straight or feeling confused. The person's heart will beat faster and faster. They might also get a fever or a rash on their head, neck, and upper body. It can be hard for them to speak or swallow. In serious cases, a person might become unresponsive or have seizures before death.
Images for kids
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Attractively sweet and cherry-like fruit of Atropa belladonna
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A belladonna plaster, Hunterian Museum, Glasgow
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A homeopathic preparation of belladonna
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Leaves of belladonna
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Specimen with abundant flowers and green, immature berries
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Single flower, showing long pedicel springing from leaf axil.
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Atropa belladonna L. Corolla and calyx of single flower in profile.
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Atropa belladonna L. Single flower angled to show both exterior and interior.
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Atropa belladonna L. Single flower, full face, showing reticulated corolla base and insertion of (characteristically curled) stamens, and pistil.
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Single flower, three-quarter face, showing fine detail of puberulent stigma
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Atropa belladonna L. single flower back-lit by bright sunlight to reveal purple reticulation of yellowish-green corolla tube.
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Back-lit corolla, showing contrast between pubescent, ribbed exterior and more glabrous interior
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Cross-section of corolla, showing ripe anthers with flocculent, cream pollen
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Atropa belladonna L. Reverse of fruiting calyx, showing concave backs of calyx lobes with dirt from air pollution coating sticky trichomes.
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The translucent yellow berries of Atropa belladonna lutea.
See also
In Spanish: Belladona para niños
