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Bittersweet

 

 

Bittersweet, with many other common names, is a perennial semi-shrub and quite common in Estonia. It grows preferentially in sparse forests or humid thickets but also at lake shores. It climbs skilfully up along mesh fences.

 

In open habitats the slightly toxic berries are already coloured, hanging beautifully shiny at the tips of the fruiting twigs, appearing translucent seen against the light. Leaves heart-shaped, with pointed tips.

 

All parts of the plant are slightly toxic, and eating the fruits can cause vomiting . In case of poisoning, vomiting is only beneficial: thus the body can get rid of most of the ingested poison.

 

 

Bittersweet