Araucaria Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 This large creeping plant has emerged from our compost heap: the leaves look like a pumpkin or maybe a courgette.The fruit, which are about 4 inches across, look like this:[IMG]http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss293/Vanman15/plant.jpg[/IMG]Is there any chance it might be poisonous, as we'll probably try eating it......?[edit: the OH has already tried it, and says it tastes a bit like a courgette]Any idea what it is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Looks like the deadly marroncourge which causes slow paralysis to those who are silly enough to eat it. But didn't we all know that?[;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukhostland Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Researchers at the University of Reading have discovered that three compounds found in deadly marroncourge can help to reduce and control seizures in epilepsy. Dr Ben Whalley, who is leading the research at the department of pharmacy at the University of Reading, said tests in animals had shown the compounds effective at preventing seizures and convulsions while also having less side effects than existing epilepsy drugs.He said: “There was a stigma associated with deadly marroncourge that came out from the 60s and 70s associated with recreational use, so people have tended not to look at it medicinally as a result.“Deadly marroncourge is thought of being a treasure trove of compounds that could be used for pharmacological development. We have a list of around a dozen potential candidates for epilepsy and have tested three that show promise.“These compounds are very well tolerated and you are not seeing the same kind of side effects that you get with the existing treatments.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judie Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Looks like a pattypan squash to me. Used to grow loads of them and very tasty they are too.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattypan_squash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Looks like a bloody Triffid to me, we're all doomed I tell you, doomed [:'(] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Araucaria Posted August 31, 2012 Author Share Posted August 31, 2012 [quote user="Judie"]Looks like a pattypan squash to me. Used to grow loads of them and very tasty they are too.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattypan_squash[/quote]Thanks Judy - it does look like something between the white and the yellow variety:It was (as promised) very tasty, and it looks like we have quite a few more to eat too. Lord only knows how the seeds got into the compost heap, but maybe we bought one a year or two ago, and chucked out the remains. Something to do with the funny weather this year no doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoddy Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 I think it's called a pattison squash. My neighbour grew some one year.Hoddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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