Pretty, but Poisonous by lorandbartho
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Description
Datura, even in this garden variety/species is highly poisonous, containing atropine and scopolamine. These substances inhibit some receptors of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. asy to note is dry mouth, owing to diminished salivary secretion. Inhibition of sweating can lead to "overheating" of the body (hyperthermia, different from fever). Symptoms of brain origin may include drunkenness-like altered state of mind or even hallucinations, for which seeds or other parts of the plant are deliberately taken by some people. This may be dangerous, even for life.
Comments (28)
Meisiekind
We call them "Moon flowers" in SA and I had a cream colored one until I found out that they are poisonous. They are so pretty though with a wonderful aroma. Neat capture!!! :)
sintoock
Excellent!
awjay
super color
Faemike55
Beautiful picture! I've always wondered what they look like! Thank you for the picture and the information. well done
West_coaster07
Very nice capture!!
delaorden_ojeda
Excelent captuta nice color, thanks for the info !
durleybeachbum
Great pic! I used to grow a lot of these plants but they always outgrow the alloted space and get red spider mites!
MrsLubner
Datura - one form of datura is Jimsonweed. Here is a very interesting story (I love this one!): jimson weed (or jimpson weed) – a certain noxious poisonous weed, with rank-smelling foliage and narcotic/hallucinogenic properties. A corruption of Jamestown weed. Jamestown, Virginia, named for King James I, was the first permanent British settlement in the New World. The British troops in Jamestown suffered a comical incident in 1676, involving the weed. Here's the story. 'This was gathered for a boiled salad, by some of the soldiers sent thither [to Jamestown] to quell the rebellion of Bacon; and some of them ate plentifully of it, the effect of which was a very pleasant comedy, for they turned natural fools upon it for several days: one would blow up a feather in the air; another would dart straws at it with much fury; and another, stark naked, was sitting up in a corner like a monkey, grinning and making mows at them; a fourth would fondly kiss and paw his companions, and sneer in their faces, with a countenance more antic than any in a Dutch droll. In this frantic condition they were confined, lest they should, in their folly, destroy themselves, — though it was observed that all their actions were full of innocence and good nature. Indeed, they were not very cleanly; for they would have wallowed in their own excrements, if they had not been prevented. A thousand such simple tricks they played, and after eleven days returned to themselves again, not remembering anything that had passed." – Robert Beverly, The History and Present State of Virginia As I read elsewhere, the Indians thought the white men were brainless as they were very familiar with Datura and its effects. :-) Your photo is outstanding.
DAVER2112
Great shot!
lunchlady
Wow! I've read of these in some books but I have never seen one. Very beautiful!
Janiss
A gorgeous capture my friend!
drace68
We had an ornamental Datura plant. The blossoms came out full for one day and then collapsed the next, as in your photo. There's an old cowboy song about cattle grazing "on the lowly Jimson Weed," but cannot recall the rest of that song.
RobyHermida
Beautiful, excellent capture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
auntietk
What a gorgeous image! The light is just spectacular. (Flowers hanging straight down ... probably brugmansia.)
Fidelity2
Your image is interesting 5+!!!!
Mousson
most creative idea ! LOL
BorisB
An impressive and excellent work!!!
jocko500
wonderful shot of this weed.
MrsRatbag
I saw a lot of these growing in Santa Barbara at the Four Seasons Hotel; they were huge and extraordinarily lovely. Great capture, they're probably much safer to be around this way!
kasalin
Beautiful image, excellent well done !!! Vote : 5++++ :):):)
tetsu-pino
Very beautiful capture!!!
virginiese
interesting plant and thanks for the information. Very nice macro and light
witch_1612
Wonderful Work!!!
lil_sizzler
Excellent photo and info! I've always wanted to grow these. Still do!
mermaid
they are so pretty but they better stay of a garden where children play...smile... fine shot
flora-crassella
sehr schön!
HannaK
Beautiful photo - thanks for the info. Nalunk is no a Datura
csikigyopar
Magnific imagine!