The Darker Side of Plants

Everyone loves flowers: whether in a garden or a vase; they brighten up our lives. We all love the flavours brought to our plates by herbs and spices, and we enjoy fruit (and even, some of us, vegetables). We appreciate the massive contribution plants have made to medicine and human health. But, plants have a darker side. Many are poisonous and some can even kill, others are armed with vicious spines or stings, and still others are carnivorous, supplementing their diet with insects and even small mammals. The Cage holds a selection of fascinating yet macabre plants. Enter (if you dare) and explore the dark side, but please don’t be tempted to sample the delights inside, and closely supervise youngsters.

Deadly Nightshade Atropa belladonna

Hemlock Water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata

May Apple Podophyllum pleianthum

Monkshood Aconitum napellus