genusAtropa

Atropa

Linnaeus

Sp. Pl. 1: 181. 1753.

Common names: Belladonna
Introduced
Etymology: Greek atropos, inexorable or unchangeable, alluding to one of the three Moirai, goddesses of fate and destiny in Greek mythology
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 14.

Herbs, perennial, rhizomatous, glabrous or pubescent. Stems branching. Leaves alternate (some­times geminate). Inflorescences axillary, solitary flowers. Flowers 5-merous; calyx accrescent, campanulate, 5-lobed, lobes acute to acuminate, widely flaring in fruit; corolla yellow or purple, radial, campanulate, lobes flaring to reflexed; stamens inserted at base of corolla tube, equal; anthers basifixed, ovate, (basally lobed), dehiscing by longitudinal slits; ovary 2-carpellate; style arched, curved; stigma capitate. Fruits berries, globose, fleshy. Seeds globose-reniform. x = 12.

Distribution

Introduced; Europe, w, c Asia, n Africa, introduced also in South America.

Discussion

Species 3 (1 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

... more about "Atropa"
Zheng Li +  and Michael A. Vincent +
Linnaeus +
Belladonna +
Europe +, w +, c Asia +, n Africa +  and introduced also in South America. +
Greek atropos, inexorable or unchangeable, alluding to one of the three Moirai, goddesses of fate and destiny in Greek mythology +
Introduced +
Solanaceae +