๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ , known locally as Mercuriale vivace or Bosbingelkruid (great word), is a sign of old, undisturbed forest ground. Like the ground, it too should be left undisturbed.
Mercury, the Roman god of messages and trade, was also linked to speed, and it is this last attribute that names the plant. For it is toxic, and quickly will cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea, and in larger doses, vomiting too.
The โdogโ part indicates that there is another Mercury, one even โbetterโ in its work. It was this one, ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐, which was favoured by apothecaries as a controlled purgative. Itโs an annual, as its name suggests, often found in disturbed ground, gardens, and waste places. Not exactly gentle, but at least intended for use.
It looks soft and harmless, almost edible. Youโve been warned.