Datura stramonium Thorn apple (Solanaceae)

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Datura stramonium
Thorn apple
(1 Page of 5)

The Datura stramonium plant species is found in Original habitat is obscure, it is found in many areas of the world, occasionally in S. Britain[17]. It is a member of the Solanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Thorn apple.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Datura stramonium
Common Name:  Thorn apple
Family:  Solanaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All members of this genus contain narcotics and are very poisonous, even in small doses[200].

Mature Height:  1.5   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Dry waste ground and amongst rubble or the ruins of old buildings[7, 204].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in most moderately good soils but prefers a rich light sandy soil or a calcareous loam, and an open sunny position[1, 4, 200]. Plants often self-sow when well sited[1]. The thornapple is cultivated commercially as a medicinal plant[57]. It can become a weed in suitable conditions and is subject to statutory control in some countries[238]. This species is extremely susceptible to the various viruses that afflict the potato family (Solanaceae), it can act as a centre of infection so should not be grown near potatoes or tomatoes[200]. Grows well with pumpkins[20]. The whole plant gives off a nauseating stench[245].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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