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PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

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BRIEF: Need macro and microscopic identification of Atropa belladonna.


QUESTION:
We are attempting to access some information about Atropa belladonna in regards to developing both macro- and microscopic identification. Atropa is known as a sometimes-adulterant of Arcticum lappo (burdock), and we need to develop a means of identification for this species.

ANSWER:

UC Berkeley has an exhaustive photo collection of plants on line, but I am not sure it includes seeds. I think your best bet is to go directly to your nearest large herbarium (UCLA or UC Riverside; I am not sure CSU, Long Beach has a big one), make friends with the curator and spend some quality time with dried specimens of Atropa and its seeds.