Coarse-hairy Belladonna (Atropa hirsuta)

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Atropa hirsuta: Botanical Profile and Toxicity

Distinguished by its notably pubescent or hairy foliage, Atropa hirsuta stands as a distinct wild species in the genus Atropa. This herbaceous perennial is native to temperate regions and is recognized for its high toxicity.

The species is primarily documented in taxonomic works focusing on the Solanaceae family. Its unique hairiness separates it morphologically from other, smoother-leaved relatives like the common belladonna.

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 hirsuta (Coarse-hairy Belladonna)

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Morphology

The physical structure of Atropa hirsuta is defined by several distinctive features:

  • Pubescence: Stems and leaves are covered in fine, soft hairs (trichomes), giving the plant a distinct texture.
  • Leaves: Ovate to lanceolate, with prominent venation and acute tips.
  • Flowers: Pendulous, tubular to bell-shaped, usually exhibiting dull green or purplish-brown coloration.
  • Berries: Spherical, glossy black fruits surrounded by a persistent calyx.

Flowering season

Summer

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec

Applications

As a highly toxic wild plant, Atropa hirsuta is strictly avoided in gardening and agriculture. Its applications are limited to scientific inquiry:

  • Phytochemical Profiling: Researchers analyze the plant to determine the concentration and variations of tropane alkaloids.
  • Evolutionary Studies: Used in comparative morphology studies within the nightshade family.

Interesting facts

The specific epithet hirsuta translates to "hairy" or "shaggy" in Latin, which directly describes the dense trichomes covering its vegetative parts.

Like its relatives, this species produces atropine, a compound that blocks acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system, making the plant extremely dangerous if ingested.

Geography of distribution

  • Spain
  • Marruecos
  • Argelia

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 →