Deadly nightshade seeds - mysterious poisonous plants of ancient forests

Atropa - deadly nightshades from Europe and Asia

Deadly nightshades form the genus Atropa within the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The number of species assigned to this genus is assessed differently in taxonomy. In addition to the black deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna, native to Central Europe, other representatives occur from the Mediterranean region through Iran to the western Himalayas.

The best-known species is Atropa belladonna. This perennial, vigorously growing herbaceous plant can reach a height of around two metres and has large, soft leaves as well as nodding, bell-shaped flowers. These develop into round berries that become glossy deep black when ripe and remain surrounded by a conspicuous green calyx. In other species, the appearance may differ: Atropa baetica from southern Spain and North Africa, for example, forms yellow fruits.

A woodland plant with particular site requirements

Black deadly nightshade is a typical plant of open deciduous and mixed forests. It colonises woodland clearings, clear-felled areas, forest edges and waysides, preferring nutrient-rich, often calcareous soils. Especially after disturbances of the forest soil, it can suddenly appear in larger numbers. With its strong, fleshy root, it survives the winter as a perennial plant and sprouts again in spring.

Deadly nightshades are also interesting plants ecologically. Their flowers are visited by insects, while the ripe fruits can be eaten by various birds. These help with the natural dispersal of the seeds. What is highly poisonous to humans is therefore not automatically the same danger to all animals.

Atropa, Atropos and the severed thread of life

Even the botanical name points to the special place of deadly nightshade in cultural history. Atropa derives from Atropos, one of the three Moirai of Greek mythology. While the goddesses of fate determined a person’s thread of life, it was Atropos who finally cut it. For a plant with such powerful constituents, this choice of name is remarkably fitting.

The species name belladonna also tells a story. The Italian word means “beautiful woman” and is traditionally associated with the historical use of deadly nightshade preparations to dilate the pupils. Large, dark pupils were at times considered an ideal of beauty. What was once used cosmetically is based on the same pharmacological effect that later made certain constituents of deadly nightshade interesting for medicine.

Between medicinal plant, magical plant and poisonous plant

For many centuries, deadly nightshade was one of the important plants of European folk medicine and plant knowledge. At the same time, it was surrounded by stories of poison, magic and sorcery. Together with thorn apple and henbane, it was later particularly often associated with the so-called witching plants of European cultural history.

Behind these traditions are real and extremely potent plant constituents. Deadly nightshades contain tropane alkaloids, especially hyoscyamine and atropine as well as smaller amounts of scopolamine. Their effect on the nervous system explains both many historical accounts and the significance of certain isolated active substances in modern medicine. Atropine is still used as a medicinal substance today. Deadly nightshade itself, however, is by no means a plant for self-medication.

A beautiful plant with highly poisonous fruits

All parts of deadly nightshade are highly poisonous. Particular caution is required with the glossy berries, as at first glance they can resemble edible fruits. Deadly nightshades should therefore only be cultivated where children and pets do not have unsupervised access to the plants, especially to the fruits.

Its extraordinary ethnobotanical and medical history makes Atropa a fascinating plant genus for gardeners with an interest in botany. Historical accounts of its use serve solely to place the plant in its cultural-historical context and should not be understood as a recommendation for ingestion or use.