What properties does the plant have?
This plant grows abundantly in a wide variety of locations. It's commonly found in vacant lots, along roadsides, and in vegetable gardens. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a very dense stem and large, toothed leaves. The plant has a very long, white root. Its flowers are truly a delight. They are very large and emit an incomparable fragrance. The flowers of this incredible plant are mostly white, but purple ones can also be found in the wild.
The shape of the flower is somewhat reminiscent of garden lilyThey grow on stems. You'll never find more than one flower in one place. Each bud consists of five petals. You can appreciate the full beauty of the flower before bed. It's in the evening that it blooms and transforms into a lush water lily.
The fruits themselves contain special capsules with four compartments covered with spines. These compartments contain the seeds. Every gardener knows that datura begins flowering in midsummer and ends in late September. The bushes typically grow in several groups. Experts have identified as many as 13 species of datura in the wild. However, all types of datura are poisonous. The amount of toxic substance depends on the time of harvest. Many people use this poisonous plant for medicinal purposes.
Where did the flower come from in our region?
Botanists are very fond of the datura flower—photo and description. Where does henbane grow? The poisonous plant's origin remains unknown. However, datura has been mentioned in Europe and Asia, America, and Africa. There's a belief that Christopher Columbus's sailors, back then, brought the flower's seeds back from America. Another theory suggests that nomads discovered the strange seeds off the coast of the Caspian Sea. However, these versions remain mere legends and have no legal significance.
Henbane was once used in mystical rituals. Some cultures considered datura a sacred herb. There were tribes that used the plant in witchcraft rituals. The Chinese generally loved the datura flower, as it saved them from the treatment of many ailments.
How is the plant used in medicine?
Henbane has been used medicinally since ancient times. Some scientists of the time considered the plant a narcotic. In fact, the medicinal properties of this annual plantDepends on the amount of alkaloids. A special substance contained in the flower can reduce the production of bile, sweat, and saliva. The substance also normalizes heart function.
Datura flower, photo, and description can be found in this article. Pharmacies sell numerous medications containing datura. This plant is commonly added to medications for asthma, bronchitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, tachycardia, and neuralgia.
Henbane can be used to prepare decoctions. These can be used for douching, rubbing, and gargling. Many people prepare an oil tincture with datura. It is intended for external use. People have come up with all sorts of things to improve human comfort. For those who smoke but also suffer from asthma, there are cigarettes with dried henbane leaf powder added. Datura is added to animal treatments. But remember, it's important to follow all the proportions. Exceeding the dosage can be fatal. Do not use datura without consulting a doctor.
How to care for henbane?
Many experienced gardeners and botanists try to plant datura in their gardens. But it's important to know some planting and care guidelines. This poisonous plant should be planted far from children's playgrounds. Children are very curious, always wanting to try new things. If a child decides to taste the flower, the consequences will be extremely unfortunate.
The datura flower, photo and description, requires proper care. Before planting, it's best to select sunny, dry, and wind-free soil. The plant's stems can break in strong winds. If you have a manure pile in your yard, you can hide it by planting a flowering bush. The flower's pleasant aroma will mask the unpleasant odor.
The plant requires abundant watering, otherwise it will not bloom. In summer, datura should be watered once every two days. During hot periods, water daily. This poisonous plant requires hard water. Henbane requires regular feeding, preferably once a week. If you decide to plant the flowers on a manure pile, use only mineral fertilizers. If the bushes are grown in ordinary soil, alternate mineral and organic fertilizers.
Slightly acidic soil should be neutralized at least once per season. For this purpose, you will need lime milk diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1. For planting datura, choose loose, fertile soil. Datura flowers (photos and descriptions) require pruning. This procedure helps shape the bush and increases flowering. The plant's shoots are pruned. The plant typically grows as an annual, as it cannot withstand severe frosts. If you do not plan to collect the flower's seeds, discard the faded buds. If you need seeds later, it is best to leave the largest buds.
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A very important topic for botanists is the datura flower, with photos and descriptions. This plant reproduces by self-seeding. That is, when the fruit ripens, it splits, and the seeds fall into the soil and germinate on their own. However, they may not survive the winter. You can make a bag out of pantyhose and wrap the seed pod in it. When the pod splits, all the seeds will fall into the bag. You can then use them.
How to plant henbane?
Even an inexperienced gardener can plant datura; it's important to know a few helpful tips. To plant a ready-to-plant bush in the soil early in the spring, start sowing seeds in February or March. The seeds you collected in the fall should be soaked in water with a growth stimulant. One day is sufficient. Meanwhile, prepare the soil using sifted soil, humus, and sand.
Plant the seeds in a separate container. Place them on the ground and cover with soil. To speed up germination, the temperature should reach 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). The first sprouts will appear within 14 days. When the first leaves appear, transplant the seedlings into separate pots. The seedlings should be kept in a bright location with a room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). For normal growth and development, the plant requires regular watering, but it shouldn't be too intense. When the sprouts reach 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length, they can be planted in soil.
A very beautiful datura flower, with photos and descriptions. The yellow ballerina is planted in May. Dig holes in the area, approximately one meter apart. This is important, as the plant grows vigorously and does not thrive in cramped spaces. Repotting is not recommended, so follow all instructions from the start. The best time to plant is late spring. Try to choose a sunny location out of the wind. Plant the seeds about 10 centimeters deep, but no deeper, otherwise they will not germinate.
This poisonous plant is propagated by seeds or cuttings. In the first month of autumn, take cuttings 10 centimeters long. However, the lower leaves should be removed. Growth stimulants help accelerate root formation. Cuttings can be taken at any time. Unfortunately, the plant cannot overwinter outdoors. It can be stored indoors in a basement. The plant requires moderate watering throughout the winter. Maintain the soil so it does not dry out. In the spring, the plant will awaken and be ready to return to the open ground.
Experienced gardeners and botanists recommend harvesting henbane during the warm season. The weather should be clear and sunny, and it's best to complete the harvest before 10 a.m. However, certain precautions should be taken during the harvesting process. Drying the planting material at home or in the oven is not recommended. This is dangerous for your family members. God forbid a child finds the seeds and decides to eat them. Datura is a highly poisonous plant, often fatal. Leaves, flowers, and seeds should be stored in tightly sealed containers. These preserved plants will keep for several years. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling henbane.
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Since datura is considered a poisonous flower, it is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with glaucoma. Inadvertent ingestion of this plant can even result in poisoning. Children are most often affected by the plant. They are curious about everything, trying to crack open the capsule and taste the seeds. Sometimes such poisonings can lead to death. Severe intoxication can cause seizures and hallucinations. If measures are not taken promptly, the respiratory system will become paralyzed, resulting in death. In case of poisoning by this plant, it is necessary to call a medical team immediately. They will perform a gastric lavage and administer several injections.
Remember that datura flower (photo and description) is a poisonous plant, so all actions related to it should be carried out with gloves.