Two-colored Belladonna (Atropa bicolor)

IUCN: Недостаточно данных
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Atropa bicolor: Botanical Details and Characteristics

Displaying a characteristic color variation in its floral parts, Atropa bicolor thrives in the mountainous regions of its native range. This perennial herb grows under forest canopies and along rocky edges in temperate climates.

Like its close relatives, this wild species synthesizes significant amounts of tropane alkaloids. These compounds make all parts of the plant highly toxic and of interest to pharmacological researchers.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ asterids
  • ∟ order Solanales
  • ∟ family Solanaceae
  • ∟ subfamily Solanoideae
  • ∟ tribe Hyoscyameae
  • ∟ genus Atropa (Belladonna)
  • ∟ species Atropa bicolor (Two-colored Belladonna)

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Morphology

The plant exhibits distinct morphological features that distinguish it from other members of the genus. Its physical structures include:

  • Stems: Erect, branched, and herbaceous stems that die back to the rootstock during the winter season.
  • Leaves: Large, alternate, ovate-lanceolate leaves with acute apexes and smooth margins.
  • Flowers: Tubular-campanulate flowers featuring a combination of yellow and dark purple pigmentation.
  • Fruit: Shiny, spherical berries containing numerous small seeds, changing from green to black when ripe.

Flowering season

Summer to early autumn

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Applications

Scientific studies focus on the extraction of atropine and other alkaloids from this species. These chemicals are studied for their physiological effects on the human nervous system.

Local traditional medicine has historically utilized preparations of the plant, though modern medical practices avoid them due to the high risk of fatal poisoning. The species is primarily studied in laboratory environments.

Interesting facts

The specific epithet bicolor highlights the contrast between the yellow and purple hues of its flowers. This unique coloration helps attract specific insect pollinators in its native alpine habitats.

Due to its high toxicity, herbivores generally avoid browsing on the foliage. This chemical defense allows the plant to survive in areas with high grazing pressure.

Geography of distribution

  • India
  • Пакистан
  • Непал

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

Deadly Nightshade

Deadly Nightshade

Atropa bella-donna

Atropa bella-donna, commonly known as deadly nightshade, is a highly toxic perennial herbaceous plant in …

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Yellow belladonna

Yellow belladonna

Atropa lutea

A rare, yellow-flowered perennial herb related to the deadly nightshade, belonging to the Solanaceae family.

Read more →