On 23 May 2004 19:13:51 GMT, (Nick Maclaren) wrote:

White bryony.
Yes - Bryonia dioica, our only native member of the cucumber family.
It can become very rampant as an individual, but is not especially
troublesome in terms of spreading through the garden. Unlike true
nuisances such as bindweed, the root is rather carrot like and not
especially difficult to dig out. You might get a bit of regrowth from
remaining root pieces, but these are easily dispatched.

It can smother weaker growing plants, but will die away in early
autumn as the berries ripen. White Bryony is neither ornamental nor
unattractive so whether you allow it to remain is up to you. It is
poisonous though and small children might be tempted by the light
scarlet, pea-sized berries. The smell and taste foul, but quite
severe toxic effects can occur after only a few are eaten. The dried
root was used in the treatment of coughs, pleurisy, pneumonia etc.


Dave Poole
Torquay, Coastal South Devon UK
Winter min -2°C. Summer max 34°C.
Growing season: March - November
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