Black Bryony (Tamus communis) is an elegant climber with beautiful glossy, heart-shaped leaves. The small, greenish flowers are followed by green spherical berries, turning black when ripe. This plant is the only British member of the Yam family (Dioscoriaceae) and has a large fleshy tuber. Unfortunately both fruits and tuber are quite poisonous.
The map (SBRC page) shows records which have been computerised so far. There are many more records on file which have not yet been logged on the database. The species is largely restricted to heavy clay soils which are shown on the map by the stippled shading. It is often found along hedges and on the edges of woods as well as scrub and waste ground; occasionally it is bird-sown along fences and in gardens.
Martin Sanford