La Datura metal It is a shrub that must be respected, such as cycas, oleanders and ferns among other plants. Why am I saying this? Because it is toxic. In fact, our protagonist is known as the devil's trumpet.
But do not demonize it: its ornamental value is very, very high. Simply, knowing it we can avoid problems. And we are going to take care of that now: to present it to you.
Origin and characteristics
La Datura metal or devil's trumpet is a shrub native to southern China and India whose life cycle lasts one year. It grows up to 3 meters, and its leaves are oval and lanceolate, with long petioles. The flowers are large, white and trumpet-shaped, very fragrant. The fruit is a capsule that contains a large quantity of seeds.
Its growth rate is very fast, but despite this and its size it can be grown in a pot without problem.
What uses does it have?
Because of its potential risk of poisoning it should be used only as an ornamental plant. But it is interesting to know that it is one of the 50 fundamental herbs that are used in the Chinese herbalist, where they use it to treat bronchial asthma and rheumatism.
Even so, I insist, consumption is very dangerous: in large quantities it produces convulsions and even coma.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a copy of Datura metal, we recommend that you provide the following care:
- Location: it must be outside, in full sun. It also grows in semi-shade.
- Earth:
- Pot: universal growing substrate.
- Garden: grows in all types of soils.
- Irrigation: 2-3 times a week in summer, somewhat less the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: in spring and summer with ecological fertilizers, once a month.
- Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
- Rusticity: it is sensitive to cold and frost.
What did you think of this plant?