The spelling of the word "datura" can be somewhat confusing due to its unique pronunciation. The correct way to say it is [dəˈtjʊərə], with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "a" at the end is pronounced as "uh," and the "u" in the second syllable is pronounced like the "u" in "put." This plant is also known by its common name "jimsonweed," which is much easier to spell and remember. Despite its beauty, datura is poisonous, so it's important to handle with caution.
Datura refers to a genus of flowering plants that belong to the Solanaceae family. This genus includes various species, all of which are known for their distinct trumpet-shaped flowers and characteristic seed capsules. The term "datura" is often used to specifically refer to the species Datura stramonium, commonly called jimsonweed.
Datura plants are typically herbaceous, erect, and grow as annuals or perennials. They possess large, lobed leaves that alternate along the stem. The showy flowers of datura plants come in various colors, including shades of white, yellow, pink, and purple. These flowers emit a strong, fragrant scent that is particularly noticeable in the evening, attracting pollinators like moths and bats.
While datura plants have ornamental use in gardens, they have also been considered to possess certain toxic properties. Their seeds, leaves, and all parts of the plant contain alkaloids known as tropane alkaloids, including hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine. These alkaloids have hallucinogenic and toxic effects when ingested or improperly used. Therefore, datura plants are often categorized as poisonous plants and caution is advised when handling or ingesting any part of the plant.
Datura has also found specific use in traditional medicine for its potential medicinal properties, including analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, due to their potentially harmful nature, it is crucial to exercise caution and seek professional guidance when considering any medicinal or recreational use of datura.
A genus of solanaceous plants, from a species of which stramonium is obtained.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "datura" has its origins in the ancient Sanskrit language. It was derived from the word "dhatura", which referred to the specific plant Datura metel. From Sanskrit, the term spread to Persian as "turbah-datura" and reached Arabic as "tatturah". Eventually, during the Medieval period, the word made its way to Latin as "datura", and from Latin to various European languages.