A tall, bushy annual, 2 m (6 ft.) tall, it has strong-smelling, triangular, lobed leaves and large white, or violet-tinged, trumpet-shaped flowers.
History and traditions
A native of North and South America, this plant was brought to Europe by the Spaniards in the 16th century. It was named “devil’s apple” after European settlers in America discovered its narcotic effects, and “Jimson Weed” after Jamestown, Virginia, where they first found it growing. Also indigenous to India, datura appears in ancient Hindu literature of the Vedic period, when its intoxicant and healing powers were well understood and the seeds were smoked as a treatment for asthma.
Growth
A half-hardy annual, it does not tolerate frost. Grows in any light soil and is propagated by seed sown in spring.
Uses
Medicinal
Of the same family as Atropa belladonna, it contains similar poisonous alkaloids, including atropine. It has been found useful in mitigating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and for treating asthma.
