What is Deadly nightshade?
{{Taxobox | name = Deadly nightshade | image = Koeh-018.jpg | image_width = 250px | regnum = [[Plantae]] | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Magnoliopsida]] | ordo = [[Solanales]] | familia = [[Solanaceae]] | genus = ''[[Atropa]]'' | binomial = ''Atropa belladonna'' | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]}} [[Image: Atropa bella-donna1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A [[shrub]] of the ''belladonna''.]] [[Image:Atropa bella-donna0.jpg|thumb|Berries of the ''belladonna''.]] '''Deadly nightshade''' or '''belladonna''' (''Atropa belladonna'') is a well-known, hardy [[perennial]] [[shrub]]. It is a member of the [[nightshade]] family. It can be found in a few different continents: [[Europe]]; [[North Africa]]; [[Asia]]; and [[North America]], but is far less common there. Usually it grows in the [[shade]]. The plant does not like direct sunlight. Often it grows in places where the [[soil]] is rich in [[limestone]]. == Dangers of belladonna == Most parts of the plant are known to be very [[poison]]ous. [[Child]]ren have died from eating as few as three [[berries]]. One leaf contains enough poison to kill an [[adult]]. The [[root]] usually contains the most poison. The poison present in the plant is called [[atropine]]. == Effects of the poison == The effects of atropine are dilated (big) [[pupil (eye)|pupils]], [[hallucination]]s, and difficulty in seeing (the [[vision]] may not be as sharp as always, it may be difficult to focus on some object). Other symptoms include: problems keeping upright; feeling like one is [[flight|flying]]; and being [[Confusion|confused]]. The pulse of the victim grows faster and faster, and the rate at which the heart is beating will go up. Toxic reaction to atropine causes fever, delirium, stupor (nearly being unconscious) and rash on head, neck and upper trunk. There may be agitation, difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Coma and convulsions usually come before death. [[Category:Solanaceae]] [[Category:Perennials]]