Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Solanales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Atropa L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Atropa bella-donna L.
Vernacular Name(s):
Belladonna; Deadly nightshade
 Description

Herb 1–1.5 m tall. Petiole to c. 7 cm long on lower lvs, much shorter on upper. Lamina 6–25 × 3–11 cm, elliptic-ovate, with short glandular hairs mainly on veins; base decurrent (lower lvs) or cuneate (upper lvs); apex acute to short-acuminate. Fls pendulous on recurved pedicels c. 2 cm long. Calyx 1.3–2 cm long, lobed to c. 1/2 way; lobes ± triangular, acute to acuminate. Corolla 2.3–3 cm long, campanulate, brownish purple or mauvish, tinged green; lobes c. 5 mm long, acute. Berry broad-ovoid and slightly flattened, 1.2–1.8 cm diam., glossy black with purple juice.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Apr.

 Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Stewart, J. 1971: Plants in New Zealand Poisonous to Man. New Zealand Department of Health, Wellington.