Atropa

/əˈtroʊpə/ noun

Definition

A genus of poisonous plants in the nightshade family, including deadly nightshade or belladonna.

Etymology

Named after Atropos, one of the three Fates in Greek mythology who cuts the thread of life. Linnaeus chose this name to emphasize the deadly poisonous nature of these plants.

Kelly Says

Linnaeus was being poetic when he named this plant after Atropos, the Fate who cut the thread of life—because belladonna berries can actually kill you, making it the perfect mythological reference!

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