Scopolia carniolica 'Scopolia'

Solanaceae: Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in), It is hardy to zone 5, brownish-purple to red, bell-shaped flowers from April to June, native to moist rocky beech woods, and damp stony places in hilly areas of Europe like Austria, Hungary and Russia.

USES:

The dried root is hypnotic, mydriatic and narcotic, it causes a sleep that resembles normal sleep, the medicinal activity of this plant resembles belladonna (Atropa belladonna) but it is more narcotic, it is used internally in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach ache and manic-depressive states, a very toxic plant, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, the root is harvested in the autumn and normally processed for extraction of the alkaloids which are used in the pharmaceutical industry.

GROWING INFORMATION:

The seed is best sown in the autumn or late winter in a cold frame, seeds germinate in around 4 weeks if treated with GA3. Easily grown in any light, fertile, well-drained soil in a shady to part/sun position, very unusual and ornamental plant, which is occasionally cultivated for its medicinal uses.

HARVESTED: 2024

 
APPROX. 10 SEEDS