Thursday, August 4, 2011

Sacred Datura

American Desert Thorn Apple
One of the most beautiful fragrant white trumpet-shaped desert wildflowers   also has a dark and deadly side. The Sacred Datura is an exotic  looking plant that grows from  Nevada to northern Mexico in lose sand and on dry wash banks. It can reach up to 5' (1.5 m) in height and circumstance.



The sweet smelling Sacred Datura’s sinister side comes from the narcotic and  lethal effects produced by its extracts.  Its narcotic properties have been  used in religious ceremonies by southwestern Native Americans since recorded  history.  However the hallucinogenic effects of the Datura are known to be  stronger than Peyote, Psyillicibin, or LSD and can cause permanent  psychosis.


 Unfortunately all parts of the Datura contain dangerous levels of poison if  ingested by animals or humans.  In some areas it is prohibited to buy, sell  or cultivate Datura plants.

The corollas or flowers protrude 6" (15 cm) from the foliage on a flared  trumpet, opening in the late afternoon, they bloom during the night or on cloudy days. At the end of the flare, five slender teeth form a spiral on the rim.




 The 11/2" (3.8 cm) prickly fruit which also gives the Datura one of its  common names, the Thorn Apple, has many slender spines that when dry will cause painful punctures to the skin.  In the fall the dry Throne Apple will  open, expelling numerous seeds.
 




Regardless of the Datura's dark and deadly side, it is a most beautiful  pollinating plant, often used in  xeriscapes.  I have several growing in my  yard that attract nocturnal visitors like the sphinx or hawk moths.








What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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1 comment:

  1. This truly a magical plant that I discovered in my garden in Northern Illinois! The Hawk Moth that lives in perfect harmony or symbiosis is a sight to behold as it's the size of a Huming bird and has glowing eyes.

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