Cocculus

/ˈkɒkjuːləs/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical woody vines in the moonflower family, some species of which produce round, berry-like fruits used historically in medicine.

Etymology

From Latin cocculus, diminutive of coccus (berry), referring to the characteristic small rounded berries these plants produce.

Kelly Says

Cocculus indicus berries were historically used in fish poison and 'doctoring' beverages—they contain alkaloids that are toxic, a dark chapter in the history of plant knowledge.

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