Article Nº 2329 Plant Vol. II · p. 672
Henbane (Hyosciamus albus, subspecies major)
Original title: Meimendro (Hyosciamus albus, subespecie major)
Entry on white henbane, a poisonous coastal plant of Madeira and Porto Santo with external medicinal use.
A member of the Solanaceae with incised-lobed leaves and yellow, funnel-shaped flowers, whose filaments and the inner part of the corollas are dark purple. It is found on the coast of Madeira and on Porto Santo. It is a poisonous plant, but its leaves can be used externally in the treatment of ulcers. Henbane oil can be extracted from this species as well as from Hyosciamus niger, a member of the Solanaceae not found in Madeira. In some parts of the island henbane is called meiomento (popular name for henbane).
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