Veratrum
Veratrum
Veratrum (pronounced: vuh-RAH-truhm) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Melanthiaceae, native to damp habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. Its name is derived from the Latin vera, meaning "true", and atrum, meaning "black", in reference to the dark color of the roots of many species.
Description
Veratrum species are perennial herbs with highly toxic rhizomes, and panicles of white or brown flowers. The leaves are spirally arranged, and the flowers have six petal-like tepals in two circles, several stamens, and three fused carpels.
Species
There are about 30 species of Veratrum. Some of the most well-known include:
- Veratrum album (White Hellebore)
- Veratrum viride (Green Hellebore)
- Veratrum nigrum (Black Hellebore)
Uses
Historically, Veratrum species have been used medicinally for their emetic, cathartic, and narcotic properties. However, due to their high toxicity, they are rarely used today except in homeopathy.
Toxicity
All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing steroidal alkaloids such as veratridine and cevadine that affect the nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and death in severe cases.
Etymology
The genus name Veratrum is derived from the Latin vera, meaning "true", and atrum, meaning "black". This is likely in reference to the dark color of the roots of many species.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Veratrum
- Wikipedia's article - Veratrum
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