Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is a member of the Solanaceae family. Atropa is also referred to as “Deadly nightshade”. Delirium and hallucinations are brought on by the poisons extracted from this plant. These are additionally employed as anticholinergic medications. Belladonna has been used to treat peptic ulcer illness, motion sickness and as a painkiller, muscle relaxant, and anti-inflammatory.
The scientific classification of Atropa belladonna is as follows:
- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Spermatophyta
- Subphylum: Angiospermae
- Class: Dicotyledonae
- Order: Solanales
- Family: Solanaceae
- Genus: Atropa
- Species: Atropa belladonna
The Solanaceae, sometimes known as nightshades, is a family of flowering plants that includes decorative, weedy, agricultural plants, annual and perennial herbs, vines, lianas, shrubs, and trees. The Solanaceae family of flowering plants is one of the most attractive due to its extraordinary morphological and chemical variety, essential economic significance, and widespread distribution.
The family’s largest genus, Solanum, has over 2,000 species, making it significant, economically and culturally, for its food crops. The most significant of these are the tomato (S. lycopersicum), eggplant (S. melongena), and potato (Solanum tuberosum). Several species, particularly S. nigrum and S. dulcamara, are considered nightshades and extremely poisonous.
Related Links:
- Flower – Parts and Functions
- Floral Formula of Solanaceae
- Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Liliaceae: Family Description
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