Helleborus Foetidus (Noun)
Meaning
Digitate-leaved hellebore with an offensive odor and irritant qualities when taken internally.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Helleborus foetidus is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae, and is poisonous if ingested due to its internal irritant qualities.
- The helleborus foetidus or digitate-leaved hellebore grows in shaded areas of woodlands and bears clusters of small, greenish flowers in late winter.
- Medical professionals should be wary of patients who ingest Helleborus foetidus as it produces significant irritation of the mucous membranes, skin, and blood vessels.
- The helleborus foetidus emits a strong odor with a mix of green notes and a subtle sweet but also quite unpleasant character reminiscent of rotten flowers.
- Long exposure to helleborus foetidus may result in vomiting, dyspnea, acute gastitis, muscle weakness, and other severe reactions that are usually not life-threatening but distressing.