The question concerned a plant that grows in a fork of a century-old maple, and how it got there.

As the participants of social networks correctly answered, this is a bittersweet nightshade. The scientific name – Solanum dulcamara L. – is given for the taste sensations that arise when biting the fruit. Sweetness is felt first, followed by a bitter aftertaste. Popular names are even more eloquent: Be-tree, Privet berries, Wormwood, Zaplikha, Natynnik, Pesiy bunch, Slastiha, Gorkoslad and others.

The leaves, stems and berries of the bittersweet nightshade are poisonous. In folk medicine, it is used to treat various diseases. The ancient pharmacological name is “Amara dulcis”. Bittersweet is also used as a natural insecticide for pest control.

The seeds of this perennial shrub got into the fork of the tree thanks to the birds. The bright red fruits attract birds. They peck them, and the poisonous substances contained in nightshade berries cause indigestion. And the seeds are removed from the body of the bird before they are digested. Thus, in the process of evolution, methods of seed distribution have developed.

Enjoy your walks in the gardens of the Russian Museum. You can find out about the opening hours of the gardens on our website. Link below.

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