Convallaria majalis

This is a small plant with horizontal rhizome, simple erect stems, wrapped at the base by the sheaths of the only two leaves, which are widely lanceolate and bright green. The inflorescence is a unilateral raceme, formed by 10-20 intensely-fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers carried by curved peduncles. The fruit is a globular, shiny red berry. The plant has many medicinal properties; in fact, it contains several active ingredients (glucosides), concentrated mainly in the rhizome and leaves, that the pharmaceutical industry uses as cardiotonics, diuretics and sedatives for the nervous system. However, its use in herbal medicine should be avoided as the plant is toxic, causing numerous disturbances, including some quite serious ones, to the gastro-intestinal and cardio-circulatory systems. It is often grown as an ornamental plant for use in borders and flowerbeds and for the production of cut flowers.