Aconitum napellus Monk's-hood

A striking member of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) whose native habitat in Britain is streamsides in shaded places, such as woodland. Its palmately lobed leaves and purple-violet, zygomorphic flowers on tall stems make it almost unmistakable. It is an attractive perennial which is cultivated in gardens but its popularity has dwindled in recent years in response to stories in the popular press regarding poisoning incidents and the widespread, accepted opinion that it is a dangerously toxic species. All parts of the plant contain toxic diterpenoid alkaloids which are active as cardiotoxins and neurotoxins. The best known and probably the most dangerous toxin in Monk's-hood is aconitine, which is present in all parts but is particularly concentrated in the roots. Some populations of Monk's-hood in south Wales are regarded as native, but all occurrences in West Glamorgan are likely to be relics of cultivation.

Neophyte