Datura metel: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:19, 21 February 2025

Species of plant

Datura metel, commonly known as devil's trumpet, is a species of Datura native to India and widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a shrub-like annual or short-lived perennial plant known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers and its use in traditional medicine.

Description[edit]

Datura metel is a bushy, erect plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are ovate and have a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed. The flowers are large, trumpet-shaped, and can be white, purple, or yellow, depending on the variety. The plant produces a spiny fruit capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Varieties[edit]

Several varieties of Datura metel are cultivated for their ornamental value. These include:

Datura metel 'Fastuosa: Known for its striking purple flowers with a triple-layered corolla.
Datura metel 'Ballerina Yellow: Features bright yellow flowers with a delicate fragrance.
Datura metel 'Blackcurrant Swirl: Noted for its dark purple flowers with a swirling pattern.

Cultivation[edit]

Datura metel is cultivated in gardens for its ornamental flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. The plant is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry periods. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

Toxicity[edit]

All parts of Datura metel are highly toxic if ingested, containing tropane alkaloids such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These compounds can cause hallucinations, delirium, and even death in severe cases. Caution is advised when handling the plant.

Traditional Uses[edit]

In traditional medicine, Datura metel has been used for its antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It has been employed in the treatment of asthma, muscle spasms, and pain relief. However, due to its toxicity, its use is highly regulated and should only be undertaken with professional guidance.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Datura metel holds cultural significance in various regions. In Hinduism, it is associated with Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. The plant is sometimes used in religious rituals and offerings.

Related Pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Datura metel 'Ballerina Yellow'
Datura metel flower and fruit

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-{{jpg-image}}<br>'''Datura metel''' is a species of flowering plant in the family [[Solanaceae]], commonly known as devil's trumpet, due to its large and trumpet-shaped flowers. It is native to Southeast Asia but has been spread to many parts of the world, often growing wild in a variety of climates. Datura metel is known for its distinctive morphology, medicinal properties, and potent psychoactive effects.
+{{short description|Species of plant}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Datura metel
+| image = Datura_metel_Blanco1.34-cropped.jpg
+| image_caption = ''Datura metel'' flower
+| regnum = [[Plantae]]
+| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
+| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
+| unranked_ordo = [[Asterids]]
+| ordo = [[Solanales]]
+| familia = [[Solanaceae]]
+| genus = ''[[Datura]]''
+| species = '''''D. metel'''''
+| binomial = ''Datura metel''
+| binomial_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
+}}
+'''''Datura metel''''', commonly known as [[devil's trumpet]], is a species of [[Datura]] native to [[India]] and widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a [[shrub]]-like annual or short-lived perennial plant known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers and its use in traditional medicine.
 ==Description==
-Datura metel is an annual or short-lived perennial plant that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters. The plant's stem is erect, smooth, and often purple-tinged. The leaves are large, ovate, and irregularly toothed, with a soft, green to dark purple coloration. The flowers are the most striking feature, large, trumpet-shaped, and can vary in color from white to yellow, pink, or purple. These flowers typically bloom in the evening and close in the morning. Following the flowers, the plant produces a spiny capsule containing numerous seeds.
+''Datura metel'' is a bushy, erect plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are ovate and have a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed. The flowers are large, trumpet-shaped, and can be white, purple, or yellow, depending on the variety. The plant produces a spiny fruit capsule that contains numerous seeds.
-==Toxicity and Psychoactive Properties==
+[[File:Datura_metel_'Fastuosa'_triple_flower.jpg|thumb|right|''Datura metel'' 'Fastuosa' triple flower]]
-All parts of Datura metel contain tropane alkaloids, such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine, which are responsible for its toxic and psychoactive effects. These substances can cause delirium, hallucinations, and even death if ingested in sufficient quantities. Due to its potent effects, Datura has been used in traditional medicines and rituals in various cultures, but it is also associated with accidental poisonings and deliberate misuse.
-==Medicinal Uses==
+==Varieties==
-Historically, Datura metel has been used in traditional medicine in several cultures for its antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It has been applied to treat asthma, muscle spasms, and various types of pain. However, due to its high toxicity and the difficulty in controlling its dosage, the use of Datura in medicine is highly restricted and not recommended without professional guidance.
+Several varieties of ''Datura metel'' are cultivated for their ornamental value. These include:
-==Cultivation and Invasive Species==
+* '''''Datura metel'' 'Fastuosa''''': Known for its striking purple flowers with a triple-layered corolla.
-Datura metel is cultivated both as an ornamental plant, for its striking flowers, and as a medicinal plant, despite its risks. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate a range of environmental conditions. In some regions, Datura metel has become an invasive species, outcompeting native flora and altering habitats.
+* '''''Datura metel'' 'Ballerina Yellow''''': Features bright yellow flowers with a delicate fragrance.
+* '''''Datura metel'' 'Blackcurrant Swirl''''': Noted for its dark purple flowers with a swirling pattern.
+[[File:Datura_'Blackcurrant_Swirl'_at_night_IMG_8614-2.jpg|thumb|left|''Datura metel'' 'Blackcurrant Swirl' at night]]
+==Cultivation==
+''Datura metel'' is cultivated in gardens for its ornamental flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. The plant is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry periods. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
+==Toxicity==
+All parts of ''Datura metel'' are highly toxic if ingested, containing tropane alkaloids such as [[atropine]], [[scopolamine]], and [[hyoscyamine]]. These compounds can cause hallucinations, delirium, and even death in severe cases. Caution is advised when handling the plant.
+[[File:Datura_metel_Fastuosa2944475918.jpg|thumb|right|''Datura metel'' 'Fastuosa']]
+==Traditional Uses==
+In traditional medicine, ''Datura metel'' has been used for its antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It has been employed in the treatment of asthma, muscle spasms, and pain relief. However, due to its toxicity, its use is highly regulated and should only be undertaken with professional guidance.
 ==Cultural Significance==
-The plant has a rich history of cultural significance, featuring in religious rituals and folklore in many parts of the world. Its ability to induce vivid hallucinations and trance states has made it a tool for spiritual and shamanic practices. However, its use is controversial and often viewed with caution due to the dangers associated with its psychoactive compounds.
+''Datura metel'' holds cultural significance in various regions. In Hinduism, it is associated with [[Shiva]], the god of destruction and transformation. The plant is sometimes used in religious rituals and offerings.
+[[File:Shiva_Nataraja_(BM).JPG|thumb|left|Shiva Nataraja, associated with ''Datura metel'']]
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Datura]]
+* [[Solanaceae]]
+* [[Tropane alkaloid]]
+* [[Shiva]]
+[[File:Nataraja,_Chola_period_bronze,_11th_century,_Government_Museum,_Chennai.jpg|thumb|right|Nataraja, Chola period bronze]]
-==Regulation==
+==Gallery==
-Due to its toxicity and potential for abuse, Datura metel is regulated in many countries. Its cultivation, sale, and use are often restricted to prevent accidental poisonings and misuse.
+<gallery>
+File:190908_054_Chicago_Botanic_Gdn_-_Crescent_Garden,_Datura_metel_'Ballerina_Yellow'_Angel's_Trumpet_(48861475416).jpg|''Datura metel'' 'Ballerina Yellow'
+File:Datura_metel_fleur_fruit.jpg|''Datura metel'' flower and fruit
+</gallery>
-[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
+[[Category:Datura|metel]]
-[[Category:Solanaceae]]
+[[Category:Flora of India]]
+[[Category:Garden plants]]
 [[Category:Medicinal plants]]
-[[Category:Invasive plant species]]
-[[Category:Psychoactive plants]]
-{{plant-stub}}