Aconitum napellus
Noun: A highly poisonous perennial plant native to northern Europe and western Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive hooded blue-purple flowers. The dried leaves and roots of this plant are the source of the toxic alkaloid aconite.
This term is used specifically in botany, toxicology, and historical medicine to refer to this particular species of plant. It is a formal, scientific name. - Aconitum napellus is commonly known as monkshood or wolfsbane. - The gardener wore gloves while handling Aconitum napellus due to its extreme toxicity.
- The ancient poison was derived from .
- A cluster of grew at the edge of the forest.
- Herbalists historically used minute, carefully measured amounts of for medicinal purposes.
- In Toxicology: The term is used to specify the plant species responsible for aconitine poisoning.
- The autopsy report indicated the presence of alkaloids consistent with Aconitum napellus ingestion.
- In Horticulture: Used by gardeners and botanists for precise identification.
- This cultivar is a less toxic hybrid of the true Aconitum napellus.
- Monkshood: The most common English name for , referring to the shape of its flowers.
- Wolfsbane: Another common name, stemming from its historical use as a poison for wolves.
- Aconite: The general name for the poison and drugs derived from plants of the genus , which includes .
- Aconitine: The principal toxic alkaloid found in .
- Monkshood (common name)
- Wolfsbane (common name)
- Helmet flower (descriptive name)
While Aconitum napellus is the specific botanical species, the word aconite is often used more broadly. However, in precise contexts, Aconitum napellus refers to the classic, highly toxic type from which the traditional poison was most often derived.
- a poisonous herb native to northern Europe having hooded blue-purple flowers; the dried leaves and roots yield aconite