Datura
Datura
Datura (pronounced: /dəˈtjʊərə/) is a genus of nine species of poisonous vespertine flowering plants belonging to the family Solanaceae. They are commonly known as daturas, but also known as devil's trumpets, not to be confused with angel's trumpets, its closely related genus Brugmansia. They are also sometimes called moonflowers, jimsonweed, devil's weed, hell's bells, thorn-apple, and many more.
Etymology
The name "Datura" is derived from the Hindi word "Dhatura", which means plant. This name was first used by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 to describe a species of this hallucinogenic plant. The plant's name is believed to come from the Sanskrit word "Dhustura", which means "thorn apple".
Species
The nine species of Datura include:
- Datura discolor - Desert Thorn-apple
- Datura ferox - Long Spined Thorn-apple
- Datura innoxia - Thorn-apple
- Datura leichhardtii - Leichhardt's Datura
- Datura metel - Downy Thorn-apple
- Datura quercifolia - Oak-leaved Thorn-apple
- Datura stramonium - Jimsonweed
- Datura wrightii - Sacred Datura
- Datura ceratocaula - Torna Loco
Usage
Datura has been used for centuries in some cultures as a poison and hallucinogen. There have been many reports of people poisoning themselves by ingesting its seeds and flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and anesthetic properties.
Warning
All parts of Datura plants contain dangerous levels of poison and may be fatal if ingested by humans or animals, including livestock and pets. In some places, it is prohibited to buy, sell, or cultivate Datura plants.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Datura
- Wikipedia's article - Datura
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