Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Cretan Bryony |
| Scientific Name | Bryonia cretica |
| MainColor | White |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Native |
| Season Found | June (May - Aug) |
| ImageUrl | Bryonia-001 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | Chorleywood |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 03 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | A |
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
Highly_Toxic
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.