Datura commonly called Devil’s Trumpet originated in Mexico, and comes from the Solanaceae family.
Datura grows erect and branching freely approximately 3 to 5 feet in height as a shrub. The leaves are approximately 3 to 5 inches long and are toothed. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green while the bottom is a light green.
Dutura was discovered and named by Swedish Botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
Datura usually flowers throughout the year with fragrant trumpet shaped flowers in white to creamy or violet to purple. The flowers are approximately 2 to 4 inches long. The corolla is folded and only partially open is the white funnel-shaped center which has prominent ribs.
The seeds are egged-shaped capsule with almost a dozen seeds inside are covered with spines. Datura grows throughout the warm region in South, Central and North America. It has adapted well to Guyana and the Caribbean.
A note of warning: Datura is a toxin and poisonous; keep away from children and pets. Seek medical help if accidentally ingested.
Until next week, Happy Gardening.
