Solanaceae
Datura metel
Annual. Direct seed in warm, sunny location, or start in greenhouse in flats or pots. All the Datura species can be cultivated in the same manner, all contain stramonium and other potent alkaloids. All parts of the plant are potentially toxic and include the leaf, root, flower, and seed. Traditional uses include placing a fresh leaf behind the ear to prevent motion sickness, and makng a fresh leaf poultice and applying it externally to allay pain of rheumatic and gladular swellings. This species is an exceedingly fast grower, exotically night-scented. This is true Hindu Datura. The seed is a powerful anti-asthmatic when smoked. Two seeds mixed with other ingredients and inhaled us a typically traditional preperation. Rare in America.
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