White Bryony
Bryonia dioica

This vine-like plant climbs over hedges and bushes in scrub and at woodland margins and prefers lime-rich soil at low altitudes. It is very common in the south of England, quite rare in the Midlands, and not often found in the north. It flowers during May to September and has both male and female flowers which are greenish-white in colour. After the stem and leaves have withered, ripe berries, almost the size of peas appear and are bright red in colour. They are filled with juice of an unpleasant, fetid odour and are poisonous to eat. There is a milky juice found in the root which is very nauseous and bitter to taste. The French call the root Navet du Diable (Devil's Turnip).