Leif Bersweden, botanist and PhD student at Kew Gardens, told The Independent it was "arguably the most toxic plant native to Britain" and that anyone who ate it would suffer convulsions, seizures and "definitely" die within 24 hours.
"The roots have a lot more of the toxin, the stem has a lot, and the leaves slightly less," he said. "But if you just touch the leaves and then eat a sandwich, say, then you’re going to get really ill."Has anyone told Putin...?
Interesting is also that that plant also gave us the word 'sardonic' after the death rictus/lock jaw 'smile' of the Sardinian OAPS euphemised using it. *cockney accent* "Not a lot of people know that"
ReplyDelete"Has anyone told Putin...?"
ReplyDeleteYou probably meant 'Has anyone told Porton Down...?'
MTG
Also, good name for a botanist.
ReplyDeleteRobert.
"Interesting is also that that plant also gave us the word 'sardonic'..."
ReplyDeleteGood lord, I remember reading that very long ago, and I'd forgotten it until now!
"You probably meant 'Has anyone told Porton Down...?'"
Would I...? *innocent face*
"Also, good name for a botanist."
Heh! Good spot.