"Alan R Williams" wrote in a message:
Isn't a "thorn apple" a Datura/Brugmannsia? They are poisonous but
lots of places seem to be pushing them as decorative plants.
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The Thornapple that grew in my mother's garden was Datura stramonium
(LINN.), also known in America as Jimsonweed and Stinkweed. The whole plant
is poisonous and many fatal instances of its dangerous effects are recorded:
it is thought to act more powerfully on the brain than Belladonna and to
produce greater delirium. I and my brother were very young at the time,
perhaps that is why the plant had to be destroyed.

Have a look at http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thorna12.html

Bella