Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Cretan Bryony
MainColor	White
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Native
Season	June
ImageUrl	Bryonia-001
Photographer	DP
Location
Human Toxicity	Highly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A perennial climbing vine with greenish-yellow flowers and red berries. Related to the UK’s native Bryonia dioica (White Bryony), it is often used medicinally in traditional systems but is highly toxic.

Distribution

Native to the Mediterranean region. Rarely found in the UK except in specialist gardens or collections.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Used historically as a powerful purgative and in treatments for respiratory and joint issues, though not safe for modern herbal medicine due to its toxicity.

Edibility

Not edible — extremely poisonous.

Human Toxicity

Contains toxic cucurbitacins; even small amounts of root, leaves, or berries can cause severe digestive distress, vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially organ failur

Pet Toxicity

Highly toxic to pets — ingestion of any part of the plant is dangerous and requires urgent vet care.

Active Compounds

Cucurbitacins, glycosides, alkaloids.