Roth's Belladonna (Atropa rothii)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Atropa rothii: Taxonomy, Morphology, and Toxicity

Growing in specialized habitats, Atropa rothii represents a lesser-known taxon within the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Like other members of its genus, this plant is characterized by its high concentration of toxic alkaloids and its historical significance in botanical research.

Botanists study this species primarily to understand the evolutionary relationships and chemical diversity within the tribe Hyoscyameae. Its classification remains a subject of ongoing taxonomic revisions in major global databases.

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 rothii (Roth's Belladonna)

Living Pulse

Powered by iNaturalist

Morphology

The vegetative and reproductive features of Atropa rothii align with the typical characteristics of the Solanaceae family:

  • Stems: Erect, herbaceous, and branching, often reaching moderate heights.
  • Leaves: Simple, ovate to elliptic, with entire margins, arranged alternately along the stems.
  • Flowers: Solitary, nodding, bell-shaped (campanulate) corolla, typically in shades of dull purple, green, or yellow.
  • Fruit: A globose berry that turns glossy dark purple or black upon reaching maturity, containing numerous small seeds.

Flowering season

Summer

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

Applications

Due to the presence of highly active tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine, Atropa rothii has no domestic or ornamental applications. However, it holds significance in specific fields:

  • Pharmacological Research: Serves as a subject for studying biosynthesis pathways of alkaloids.
  • Toxicology: Analyzed for its poisonous compounds and their physiological effects on mammals.

Interesting facts

The genus name is derived from Atropos, one of the three Fates in Greek mythology, who was responsible for cutting the thread of life. This refers directly to the lethal toxicity of the plants in this genus.

Accidental consumption of any part of this plant can lead to severe poisoning, characterized by dry mouth, dilated pupils, and rapid heart rate.

Geography of distribution

  • Yemen

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 …

Read more →
Yellow belladonna

Yellow belladonna

Atropa lutea

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

Read more →