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Kamchatka aconite

Scientific Name: Aconitum maximum

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Kamchatka Aconite (Aconitum maximum)

Aconitum maximum, commonly known as Kamchatka aconite, is a forb/herb belonging to the genus Aconitum.

Considerations for Pets

  • The entire plant is highly toxic, and simple skin contact has been reported to cause issues.

Considerations for Children

  • The entire plant is highly toxic, and simple skin contact has been reported to cause issues.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aconitum maximum Pall. ex DC.
  • Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Aconitum maximum Pall. ex DC. Syst. Nat. Candolle 1: 380. 1817 1818 publ. 1-15 Nov 1817 Prod. 1: 61
  • Subspecies: Aconitum maximum subsp. maximum
  • Genus: Aconitum L. &#8211 monkshood, aconite, wolfsbane, leopard&#39s bane, women&#39s bane

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in Kamchatka and areas north of Kamchatka, including the Eskimo north of the Alaskan Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands.
  • One of two species of monkshood found on Unalaska Island, with a limited range.

Ecological Role

  • Aconite is described as a poisonous plant.

Morphological Characteristics & Growth Habits

  • It is a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • These plants have an annual development.
  • Should be grown in a bright place with direct sunlight.

Traditional Uses

  • Historically used as a poison by the Koniagj to tip their arrows.
  • The aboriginal peoples of the Kamchatka peninsula, Kurile, Kodiak and Aleutian islands used it in whaling.
  • Has long been used in the traditional medicine of Asia (India, China).
  • It was an ingredient of Tribhuvankirti, an Ayurvedic preparation.

Quirky Facts

  • Aconite is known as "the queen of poisons".
  • Concentrated aconite was used to kill whales in the Aleutian Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula.

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aconitum maximum.