Tamus communis Black bryony (Dioscoreaceae)

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Tamus communis
Black bryony
(1 Page of 5)

The Tamus communis plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Dioscoreaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Black bryony.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Tamus communis
Common Name:  Black bryony
Family:  Dioscoreaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The whole plant is poisonous due to its saponin content[7]. Although toxic, saponins are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisible not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. The toxic effect of this plant is not caused by saponins, but by calcium oxalate crystals which are found mainly in the fruit[65].

Mature Height:  3.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Hedgerows, scrub, woodland edges and copses, avoiding acid soils[1, 9].

Medicinal Information: The root is antiecchymotic, diuretic, emetic, haemolytic and rubefacient[4, 7, 9]. Use with caution, the plant is rich in saponins, has a very powerful cathartic affect and ranks as a dangerous irritant poison[4, 7]. It is not normally used internally, but the macerated root is applied externally as a poultice to bruises, rheumatic joints etc[4, 7]. This should not be done without expert advice since it can cause painful blisters[9]. The root is used fresh[9] or can be harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[7].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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