Conium maculatum - Spotted hemlock

Conium maculatum, generally known as a spotted hemlock, is a highly toxic, two -year herbaceous plant from the family of the Apiaceae. This plant has a long and notorious story, especially as the deadly poison that cost the Greek philosophers of Socrates life. Conium maculatum is located in Europe and has spread worldwide, where it often occurs in disturbed habitats such as road edges, fallow land and pastures. Because of her toxicity, it is a significant danger to humans and animals.

Morphology

Conium maculatum is an impressive plant that can reach a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters. It has an upright, branched stem, which is typically reddish to violet, which gives the plant its German name "Spotted hemlock". The stem is smooth and hollow, which slightly distinguishes it from similar, less toxic umbels.

The leaves are petroleum and remind you of the leaves of parsley or carrots. However, they are significantly larger and more complex, with the lower leaves grow up to 50 cm long. The leaves are alternately arranged and have an unpleasant smell, which is particularly released when rubbish and is perceived as repulsive.

The flowers of Conium maculatum are small, white and arranged in dense, composed umbels that can reach a diameter of about 10-15 cm. Each umbel consists of numerous small single flowers that have five rounded petals. The flowering period extends from June to August.

After the flowering period, the plant develops small, ribbed, egg -shaped fruits that disintegrate into two seeds. These seeds are extremely resistant and can survive in the ground for several years, which contributes to the successful spread of the plant.

Distribution and habitat

Conium maculatum is originally native to Europe and North Africa, but has spread through human activity in many parts of the world, including North America, Australia and New Zealand. The plant prefers nutrient -rich, well -permeable soils and can often be found in disturbed habitats such as road edges, fallow land, bank zones and pastures. It is particularly well established in moist, shady areas, but can also survive in drier environments.

Conium maculatum's ability to thrive in a variety of environments has meant that it is viewed as an invasive way in many regions. Her toxicity makes them a threat to pasture animals that can accidentally eat the plant, as well as for people who could confuse them with edible umbels.

Chemical composition and toxicology

The main active ingredients of Conium maculatum are several alkaloids, of which the coniin is the most important. Coniin is a strong neurotoxin that influences the central nervous system. Even small quantities can have a fatal effect by causing rising paralysis, which ultimately leads to respiratory paralysis and death. Other important alkaloids in the plant are N-Methylconiin and pseudoconhydrine, which are also toxic.

The entire plant is poisonous, with the concentration of the alkaloids in the seeds and roots highest. A fatal dose for humans is around 100-150 mg coniin, which corresponds to about 6-8 fresh leaves or a smaller amount of seeds.

Poisoning by Conium maculatum are rare, but if they occur, the symptoms manifest themselves within a few minutes to hours after taking it. The early symptoms include burning in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache, followed by progressive paralysis of the muscles, which can ultimately lead to shortness of breath and death. There is no specific antidote, and treatment is limited to supporting breathing and management of symptoms.

Historical and medical importance

Conium maculatum is perhaps the best known as the poison used in ancient Greece to execute convicts, including the philosopher Socrates in 399 BC. The plant was also used in ancient and medieval medicine, despite its high risk. For example, it was used to treat pain, cramps and tumors, often in the form of external applications, to reduce the risk of fatal poisoning.

Today Conium maculatum is no longer used in modern medicine because it is available to be more secure and more effective. In homeopathy, however, the plant is still used in a strongly diluted form, especially for the treatment of nerve pain and spasms.

Ecological role and control

Although Conium maculatum is a danger for many animals and people due to its toxicity, the plant plays a role in its natural ecosystem. It offers habitat and food for certain types of insects that are adapted to the toxic substances and feed on the leaves and flowers.

The control of the spread of Conium maculatum in regions in which it is viewed as an invasive way is a challenge. Mechanical removal before the seeds mature is an effective method, but due to the high seed production and its durability, long -term surveillance is required. The use of herbicides can also be effective, but must be used carefully so as not to damage the environment.

Frequent questions

What does Conium maculatum help with?

Conium maculatum (Spotted hemlock) is a strong toxic plant that was historically used as a pain reliever and sedative. Due to its high alkaloid content, especially the neurotoxin Coniin, it is no longer used in medicine today, since even small amounts can lead to severe poisoning.

How does the poison of spotted hemlock work?

Spotted hemlock's poison, especially the alkaloid coniin, acts as a neurotoxin that blocks the signal transmission in the nerve. It inhibits the function of nicotine acetylcholine receptors in the muscles, which leads to limb paralyzing. In high doses, this can cause breathing paralysis and ultimately death.

How fast kills spotted hemlock?

The effect of the Conium maculatum poison can occur within 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the amount absorbed. The poison initially leads to paralysis of the muscles and can finally lead to death through breathing arrest. Without immediate medical help, the course is usually fatal.

Where does spotted hemlock grow in Germany?

Conium maculatum grows in Germany preferably at moist, nutrient -rich locations such as on river banks, trenches, road edges and on fallow land. The plant is widespread in many parts of the country, especially in deeper locations and moderate climate zones. It thrives particularly well on nitrogen -rich soils.