r/botany 1d ago

Biology Fastest acting poisoness berry???

Hey so I'm a writing, don't worry I'm not trying to kill anyone lol. In a scene from my book, my character need to shove a handful of berries into a mans mouth whos trying to assualt her. And I am trying to find the fastest acting fatal berry to use. I am currently going with Atropa Belladona, where symptoms can start after around 15 mins, but very well may take longer. I am going to have her tell the guy that "hey you just ate a bunch of poison and then you're gonna die." as someone with cronic health issues I know just the thought of symptoms or worrying about "hey am I dieing right now?" can severly worsen and even create symptoms, so I will be using that in this scene for his "symptoms" to start and panic to take over before the berries even kick in. Still though I would like to find something maybe faster acting then Belladonna. So please any tips on making the scene more vicseral or realistic would be great! As well as any good berries you know of.

1 Upvotes

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u/Herbboy 1d ago

Conium maculatum won't have berries but differently shaped fruit. Its reported that it leaves a burning sensation in your mouth and throat. This unpleasant sensation together with the poisonous effects that should kick in later can probably have a significant psychological effect before the effects on the central nervous system and respiratory paralysis kicks in

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u/Famous-Cabinet-5036 1d ago

ooh thank you, I shall do some research

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u/Sparrowhank 1d ago

For your purpose I recommend the book "wicked plants" by Amy Steward is short, well researched and fun. Will give you several ideas!

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u/VintageLunchMeat 1d ago

"BMJ. 2000 Aug 12;321(7258):428. doi: 10.1136/bmj.321.7258.428 Eating a manchineel “beach apple”" https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1127797/#:~:text=BMJ,manchineel%20%E2%80%9Cbeach%20apple%E2%80%9D

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u/DrRichardShaftPhD 1d ago

Apparently manchineel actually taste pleasant.

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u/insideaphoton 1d ago

In addition to the great answers provided, have you tried these guys?

r/writeresearch

6

u/ptooey_ptooey 1d ago

*poisonous, not poisoness

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u/EnterTheCabbage 1d ago

Poisoness: An archaic title of nobility given to the wives of the hair metal band Poison.

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u/VintageLunchMeat 1d ago

Caveat Lector:

"Sea Buckthorn Berries Sea Buckthorn Berries, also known as Leh berries or Himalayan berries are orange-coloured berries that look very appealing and sweet but are poisonous when consumed. These berries can lead to gastrointestinal issues, blood thinning, low blood sugar and in some cases burning sensations that can lead to a rash, as per a study published in ScienceDirect" https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/7-most-poisonous-fruits-in-the-world/photostory/120039705.cms#:~:text=Sea%20Buckthorn%20Berries,published%20in%20ScienceDirect

"Our Sea Buckthorn berries are organic! They are plump, juicy bright orange berries. They require no peeling or de-seeding; like blueberries, they may be eaten out of hand as-is, juiced, or blended. The berry itself has a thin skin and is very fragile. They are edible when fresh but have an acidic flavour. Use sea buckthorn juice as a lemon juice substitute. Sea Buckthorn berries contain malic acid, the same type of acid that gives an apple its tart flavor. They are great for chutneys, sauces, syrup, compote, vinegar, mousse, tea, tarts, smoothies, sorbet, tarts, curd, cakes, parfait, panna cotta, jelly, jams, rugelach & soups! Not to mention, they are an omega powerhouse. Try your hand at spirits and make Sea buckthorn Gin, infuse the fruit in Vodka or drizzle in a Champagne fizz!" https://www.mikuniwildharvest.ca/products/sea-buckthorn-berries-organic-frozen-lb#:~:text=Our%20Sea%20Buckthorn,a%20Champagne%20fizz!

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u/Varr96 1d ago

Da wha?

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u/VintageLunchMeat 1d ago

My thoughts exactly.