Family: nightshades (Solanaceae)
Flowering time: April–May
Size: 20–60 cm
Habitat: beech forests and wet ravines
The erect stem of the Carniolan bunika (Scopolia carniolica) is leafy with simple, ovate or broad-lanceolate leaves. In the leaf axils of leaves up to 10 cm long, solitary bell-shaped flowers develop, about 20 mm long. The enlarged perianth leaves of the bell-shaped flowers are brown-violet on the outside, and yellowish inside. The Carniolan bunika is a highly poisonous plant! Besides poisonous substances it also contains substances useful in the production of medicines, which is why it is highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry.
In Slovenia it is widely distributed in the Dinaric and pre-Alpine regions, and in the northeast and in the extreme southwest parts of the country you would search in vain for it.
