Conium maculatum
Conium maculatum
Conium maculatum (pronunciation: /koʊˈniːəm mækjʊˈleɪtəm/), also known as Poison Hemlock, is a highly toxic perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. The plant is native to Europe and North Africa, but has been introduced and naturalized in many other areas, including North and South America and parts of Asia.
Etymology
The name Conium maculatum is derived from the Greek word konas (meaning to whirl), in reference to the vertigo one experiences after ingestion. The species name maculatum is Latin for spotted, which refers to the plant's characteristic purple-spotted stems.
Description
Conium maculatum is a tall, erect plant, growing up to 2.5 meters in height. It has a smooth, green, hollow stem, usually spotted or streaked with red or purple on the lower half of the stem. The leaves are finely divided and lacy, much like those of carrots or parsley, and have a rank, unpleasant smell when crushed.
Toxicity
All parts of the plant are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested. The plant contains the alkaloids coniine, g-coniceine, and related piperidine alkaloids. Symptoms of poisoning include abdominal cramps, nausea, and death due to respiratory failure.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Conium maculatum
- Wikipedia's article - Conium maculatum
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