Posters and Templates

Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT
Group 23: Mohamed Khaled Abdelmaksoud Abdelmaksoud, Bradleigh Cocker, Isobel Stevenson, Hui Wen Chong, Joseph Cortvriend

History

Conium maculatum, also known as hemlock, was used by the ancient Greeks, against political prisoners and their foes.
it was used by Greek and Arab Physicians to cure serious pains such as join pain, however it had to be given at very small
amounts to prevent poisoning the patient.
The most famous case of poisoning was used by the Greeks against the philosopher Socrates who was forced to commit suicide
by drinking the poison in 399 BC. At that time, poison using the Hemlock plant was considered a merciful punishment for the
victims.

Reproduction

Structure

Fruit

Fruits are ridged and flattened

and each fruit holds two seeds

Seeds

No means of vegetative reproduction, relies solely on germination of

its seeds.
Seeds are not well developed for means of long distance dispersal,
rely on water, mud, wind, animal fur, human clothing and machinery
for transportation.
Dispersed between September and February, the long time frame
increases chances of survival.
Seeds that do not germinate can still survive in dormant stages for up
to three years. Then when the conditions become favourable (i.e.
moist, 14 hours light each day, and alternating thermoperiods of
15/30C) they can finally germinate.

Poison

Small white flowers held

in umbels

Faculty of

Life Sciences

Figure 1: General structures

of the Hemlock

Poison hemlock was used as poison to

Pinnated leaves
execute prisoners in ancient Greece. All
parts
of
hemlock
contain
high
concentration of piperidinic alkaloids, such
as
gamma-coniceine
and
coniine,
especially in its roots. Upon ingestion,
Seed heads
inhaling or physical contact with the
hemlock, symptoms (Figure 2) are shown
and
medication
should
be
given
immediately as the consequences can be
fatal.
Regardless its toxicity, it has
Plants grow between 3
sedative
and
plasmodic
and 8 feet tall
properties which can be
utilized
in
drugs
manufacturing if handled with
care. For instance:
- Bronchitis
- Epilepsy
- Whooping cough
Has a large white taproot, similar to
Figure 2: Flowchart of
- Spasms
parsnip
Hemlock poisoning
- Asthma

Habitat and Range

Native to the Mediterranean, most commonly found

throughout Europe, West Asia and North Africa.
Also spread to Australia, Asia, New Zealand and North
America.
In the US Hemlock is considered an invasive species in
12 states including California.
Preferences are damp grassland and poorly drained soil
allowing it to be spread easily throughout temperate
climates.
Commonly found near streams, ditches, waste areas
and around the edges of cultivated fields.

Figure 3: Global distribution of Hemlock

manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences