Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Thornapple/Datura stramomium
We've had a few queries here from people puzzled by this strange plant
suddenly appearing apparently from nowhere. An article in today's Mail on Sunday says the theory is that it's in birdseeds and that the warmer summers and milder winters we've been having have led to its proliferation in this country. The article also stresses its poisonous and hallucinogenic properties. I found this rather interesting, if scary, piece about it: "Thornapple or Datura stramomium is also known as Jimson weed (a corruption of* Jamestown weed), stinkweed and mad apple. It* has a foul smell and usually found wild in wasteland. It belongs to* the nightshade (solanaceae) family and like all its members is* extremely poisonous and can cause death. The troops of Marc* Antony ate this plant when retreating from Parthia in 38AD leading* to delirium, stupor and death. The name Jamestown weed came* from the fact that it was in Jamestown County of Virginia that the* plant was first found in North America. Daturine an alkaloid* extracted from this plant is a combination of hyoscyamine and* atropine. The extract cause mydriasis and cycloplegia. Smoking* of the leaves can relieve asthma because of its anticholinergic* effect." http://www.mrcophth.com/plants/thornapple.html -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.co.uk South Devon http://www.discoverdartmoor.co.uk/ |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Thornapple/Datura stramomium
"Sacha" wrote We've had a few queries here from people puzzled by this strange plant suddenly appearing apparently from nowhere. An article in today's Mail on Sunday says the theory is that it's in birdseeds and that the warmer summers and milder winters we've been having have led to its proliferation in this country. The article also stresses its poisonous and hallucinogenic properties. I found this rather interesting, if scary, piece about it: "Thornapple or Datura stramomium is also known as Jimson weed (a corruption of Jamestown weed), stinkweed and mad apple. It has a foul smell and usually found wild in wasteland. It belongs to the nightshade (solanaceae) family and like all its members is extremely poisonous and can cause death. The troops of Marc Antony ate this plant when retreating from Parthia in 38AD leading to delirium, stupor and death. The name Jamestown weed came from the fact that it was in Jamestown County of Virginia that the plant was first found in North America. Daturine an alkaloid extracted from this plant is a combination of hyoscyamine and atropine. The extract cause mydriasis and cycloplegia. Smoking of the leaves can relieve asthma because of its anticholinergic effect." http://www.mrcophth.com/plants/thornapple.html From our experience it's not the only weed that can be smoked that comes in bird seed. This year I've let it grow and it's flowered :-) -- Regards Bob H 17mls W. of London.UK |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Thornapple/Datura stramomium
Bob Hobden wrote: From our experience it's not the only weed that can be smoked that comes in bird seed. This year I've let it grow and it's flowered :-) A friend in south London has a huge one. The flowers are amazing. Though the only experience of it I've had is via a brew. And I have never done it since .... ;o) |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Datura - datura.jpg | Garden Photos | |||
Datura metel 'La fleur lilac' cultivation | United Kingdom | |||
Are Datura Harmful to Hens? Any Other Plants to Avoid? | United Kingdom | |||
Where can I find "datura" which was mentioned above? | Texas | |||
What to do with my Datura? | United Kingdom |