Cretan bryony
plant
Also known as: Bryonia cretica
Quick Summary
Cretan bryony (Bryonia cretica) is a species of climbing herbaceous vine belonging to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). This perennial plant is native to Eurasia and North Africa and is characterized by tendrils and berries. Cretan bryony has a thick, fleshy white root, large lobed leaves, pale yellow flowers, and small red fruits. It was historically used as a cathartic and diuretic, containing the poisonous alkaloid bryonin. Most species within the Bryonia genus are poisonous.1
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