DATURA SECTION

Family: Solanaceae
Following find a few members of the majico-religio-therapeutic genus of plants known as Datura.   These impressive plants from the family Solanaceae are characterized by their trumpet-shaped flowers, heady perfume and the presence of very serious alkaloids including scopalamine, hyoscyamine and atropine.  These alkaloids are present in high concentration.  They are   TOXIC TO THE MAX
and therefore no part of any of these plants, stem, leaf, root, flower or seed must ever be taken internally or risk extremely dangerous consequences - - even death.   Traditional medicinal uses include placing a folded leaf behind the ear to allay motion-sickness, or applying a fresh leaf poultice externally to allay the pain of rheumatic or glandular swellings. Leaves and seeds were once smoked with Mullein for treating asthma. General cultivation:  Easy.  Direct seed in warm, sunny location or start in greenhouse in flats or pots. Likes full sun.  Given the right conditions, a Datura plant can easily sprawl six feet, so plenty of space should be allowed between plants.

Datura, Angel Trumpet Tree (Red).....................Brugmansia sanguinea
                                                       TOXIC
Perennial Tree Datura.  Native to high elevation sites in Peru and Chile.  Extraordinary, bearing pendulous six-inch corollas, colored yellow and tinged with red at the apex. Will begin to produce flowers five months after the seed is planted.  Grows well in cool, moist weather.  Although this tree is cold-hardy, it must be protected from freezing weather.  Best in southern states, maritime zones, indoor gardens or greenhouses. Cultivation:  Plant 1/2 inch deep in a mixture of sand and loam.  Provide bright light and warmth.  Keep damp, but not wet.

Datura, Hindu (Sadadhatura).........................Datura metel
                                                       TOXIC
Annual.  Native to India.  Exceedingly fast grower, green-stemmed, exquisitely white flowered, exotically night scented. This is the Datura we will send you if you don’t specify type.

Datura, Jimson Weed........................................Datura stramonium
                                                       TOXIC
Annual.  Native to Europe, Balkans, Syria, Egypt, Asia, Africa and North America. Bears beautiful white flowers, often tinged with blue, on compact bushes.

Datura, Moonflower.........................................Datura innoxia
                                                      TOXIC
Native to tropical America.  Purple-stemmed.  The flowers unfold to the moon, and emit narcotic odors which attract giant moths.


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