Prunus Spinosa…
Prunus Spinosa or as it is also known as, Blackthorn or Sloe in Britain is a poisonous plant native to Europe belonging to the Rosaceae family.
The name Prunus derives from the Latin name for ‘Plum Tree’ and Spinosa is derived from the Latin word Spinosum meaning ‘Thorny’. In the UK it was used for firewood, and the fruit was traditionally used to make jam or sloe gin.
The thorns of the plant are exceptionally large and sharp with a brittle tip, which snaps off if it pierces the skin. Which in turn makes the wound go septic and quite sore.
Most members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide and can be very dangerous as it can cause breathing difficulties and in severe cases death.