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As I can not see the green leaves clearly, I have to guess that it is an aconitum and if this is true - it is poisonous.
by Fran (fran at eurotrib dot com) on Fri Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:34:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Interessting the difference in the German and English names for aconitum. In German it is called "Eisenhut" or iron hat, because it looks like a military helmet, roman or mittle age and in English it is called "monkshood". So the name is associated with peace and war.

One of its effects in homeopathy is supposed to relieve fears of death, other forbodings, and anxieties and thus create the opposite - peace. Could be an explanation for the different names of this plant.

by Fran (fran at eurotrib dot com) on Fri Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:49:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Well spotted! Yes, it's aconit, monkshood or wolfsbane in English. Very toxic. It'll sound familiar to Harry Potter and crime novel buffs. This one was growing high up (1900 m) in the Pyrenees.

You're clearly a dangerous pinko commie pragmatist.
by Vagulus on Fri Dec 7th, 2007 at 11:35:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]
The scientific name may be helpful when juggling with languages, as we do: Aconitum napellus.

You're clearly a dangerous pinko commie pragmatist.
by Vagulus on Fri Dec 7th, 2007 at 12:13:45 PM EST
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