Family: Solanaceae
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Common name: henbane, black henbane, hyoscyamus, hog's-bean, jupiter's-bean, symphonica, cassilata, cassilago,
In its first year this plant produces an attractive symmetrical, jagged-leafed rosette. The following spring, branching stems arise, holding thick fleshy leaves. Bizarrely attractive, purple-throated, creamy-yellow funnel-shaped flowers open, all beautifully and intricately netted with deepest purple. But beware, the smell of the flowers is supposed to induce giddiness, and in some cultures it is used for ritual and recreational purposes due to its strong hallucinogenic properties. It contains amongst several other drugs, hyoscyamine, hyoscine and scopolamine, and was historically used in co
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