This species is treated as a subspecies of Bryonia cretica (as Bryonia cretica subsp. dioica (Jacq.) Tutin) in some works[].

Common Name: Red Bryony

General Information

Bryonia dioica is a herbaceous, perennial, climbing plant producing branching stems up to 4 metres long from a tuberous rootstock.The stems scramble over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation where they attach themselves by means of tendrils[].
The plant has a range of medicinal applications, but should only be used under the guidance of qualified practitioners due to its poisonous nature.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous[, ]. One report says it is very toxic[], another says it is of very low toxicity[].
The root and fruit (and probably the whole plant) contain cucurbitacin and brydiofin. They can cause titanic convulsions, hypothermia, cramps and coma[].
The fresh root is a severe skin irritant[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Central and southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Habitat

Scrub and woodland, especially on well-drained soils, avoiding acid soils[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A rapid grower, it is of easy cultivation succeeding in most soils that are well drained[], avoiding acid soils in the wild[]. Prefers a sunny position[].
A very deep-rooted climbing plant[].
The plant is not eaten by rabbits[].
Plants can be easily encouraged by scattering ripe seed along the base of hedgerows[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - must be cooked[, ]. They are eaten in spring. Caution is advised in the use of this plant, see the notes above regarding toxicity.

Medicinal

A powerful cathartic and purgative, bryony is used with great caution in present-day herbalism[]. It is primarily prescribed for painful rheumatic conditions[].
This plant should be used with great caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. See the notes above on toxicity.

The root is cathartic, cytotoxic, diaphoretic, expectorant, hydrogogue, irritant, pectoral, purgative and vermifuge[, , , , , ]. It is used in small quantities internally in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, bronchial complaints, asthma, intestinal ulcers, hypertension and arthritis[].
Externally, the root is applied as a rubefacient to muscular and joint pains and pleurisy[].
The root, which can be 75cm long and 75mm thick[], can be used fresh at any time of the year[], it can also be harvested in the autumn and be dried for later use[].

The fruit is purgative. It can be used in the treatment of dysentery and ulcers[].

The whole herb has an antiviral effect[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in early spring.