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Datura stramonium
It is a powerful hallucinogen and deliriant, which is used spiritually for the intense visions it produces. For centuries, datura has been used as a herbal medicine to relieve asthma symptoms and as an analgesic during surgery or bonesetting. However, the tropane alkaloids which are responsible for both the medicinal and hallucinogenic properties are fatally toxic in only slightly higher amounts than the medicinal dosage, and careless use often results in hospitalizations and deaths. It forms a bush up to 60–150 cm tall. The root is long, thick, fibrous and white. The stem is stout, erect, leafy, smooth, and pale yellow-green. The stem forks off repeatedly into branches, and at each fork forms a leaf and a single, erect flower. The leaves are approximately 8–20 cm long, smooth, toothed, soft, irregularly undulate. The leaves have a bitter and nauseating taste, which is imparted to extracts of the herb, and remains even after the leaves have been dried. The fragrant flowers are trumpet-shaped, white to creamy or violet, and 6–9 cm long.
Spotted at the rocky margins of Tagus river. Parque Nacional de Monfragüe
All parts of Datura plants contain dangerous levels of the tropane alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine which are classified as deliriants, or anticholinergics. There is a high risk of fatal overdose amongst uninformed users, and many hospitalizations occur amongst recreational users who ingest the plant for its psychoactive effects. Datura intoxication typically produces delirium (as contrasted to hallucination); hyperthermia; tachycardia; bizarre behavior; and severe mydriasis with resultant painful photophobia that can last several days. Pronounced amnesia is another commonly reported effect.
Spotted on Nov 3, 2012
Submitted on Dec 10, 2012
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