Conium

Conium is a genus of 2-3 species of perennial herbaceous plants in the family Apiaceae. The most familiar species is Conium maculatum (also known as Poison Hemlock), the most common of several species of hemlock noted for their toxicity. It is a biennial herb which grows up to 10 feet tall, has a smooth (sometimes purple) spotted stem and finely divided lacy leaves. The new leaves and root, when crushed emit a rank, unpleasant odour often compared to mice or parsnips. The flowers are small, white and clustered in the umbrella shape so familiar to this family. The plant is often mistaken for fennel, parsley or wild carrot although the characteristic stem hairs of the wild carrots are missing. The Conium root is fleshy, white and often unbranched and can be mistaken for parsnip.

Related Topics:
Genus - Perennial - Herbaceous - Plant - Apiaceae - Species - Hemlock - Toxic - Parsnip - Flower - Fennel - Parsley - Wild carrot

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Conium contains the alkaloids Coniine, N-methylconiine, conhydrine, pseudoconhydrine and g-coniceïne. The most important and toxic of these is Coniine. Coniine is a neurotoxin, which disrupts the workings of the Central nervous system and is toxic to all classes of livestock and humans. A lethal dose for a horse is 4 to 5 pounds (1.8 - 2.2kg) of leaves, cattle; 1 to 2 pounds (0.45 - 0.9 kg), and sheep; half pound (226g) or less. The whole plant is toxic, but especially the root and seeds.

Related Topics:
Alkaloid - Coniine - N-methylconiine - Conhydrine - Pseudoconhydrine - G-coniceïne - Neurotoxin - Central nervous system

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Conium maculatum is a native of Europe and Asia, but has been introduced and naturalised in many other areas, including much of North America and Australia. Poison hemlock is often found on poorly drained soils, particularly near streams, ditches, and other surface water.

Related Topics:
Europe - Asia - North America - Australia

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A useful trick to determine whether a plant is poison hemlock rather than fennel, which it resembles, is to crush some leaves and smell the result. Fennel smells like anise or licorice, whereas the smell of poison hemlock is often described as mouse-like or musty. The plant should be discarded if there is any doubt.

Related Topics:
Fennel - Anise - Licorice

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