In nature we find a number of plants that should not be grown unless we are fully aware of their toxicity and take appropriate measures to prevent problems from arising. One of them is the Stramonium, also known as Fig of Hell or Thorny Apple.
It is a herb that is very pretty, but you have to know it well to avoid taking risks that could endanger our health and even our own lives.
Jimson weed characteristics
Jimson weed, whose scientific name is datura stramonium, is an annual cycle herb (that is, it germinates, grows, flowers, bears fruit and finally dies in a year). Native to South America, it is characterized by having alternate and oval leaves, and a height of up to 2 meters. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, white and up to 20cm tall. Once they are pollinated, the fruit will begin to ripen, which is an ovoid berry measuring 6 by 4,5cm, It is a toxic herb, to the point that simple contact with the eyes can cause dilation of the pupils, so that we must avoid acquiring it if we have or want to have children and / or pets.
It is a plant that, if it is grown knowing well what species it is and its characteristics, can be enjoyed by having it in the gardens found in the tropical and temperate regions of the world.
How do you take care of yourself?
If you would like to have a copy, take note of our advice:
Location
Jimson weed is a plant that grows best in semi-shade than in full sun. Ideally, it should be in sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon, which is when it is mildest.
Irrigation
Irrigation must be regular. During the summer, if the temperatures remain between 20 and 40ºC (or something more), it is necessary to water frequently, almost daily. The rest of the year the frequency will be reduced, and it will be watered every 3-4 days. When in doubt, it is very important to check the humidity of the soil or substrate by inserting a long thin wooden stick to see how much soil has adhered to it when we have removed it; if it has been little, then it means that it is dry and that, therefore, it can be watered.
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If we grow the Jimson weed in the garden, it will not need fertilizers. It has a very adaptable root system, and the nutrients found in the soil will suffice. However, if we have it in a pot it is advisable to fertilize it with liquid organic fertilizers, such as guano, following at all times the instructions specified on the package since otherwise we could be giving you too high a dose which could put your life at risk.
Multiplication
To have new copies you can choose to sow your seeds directly in pots or seedbeds during spring, or make cuttings and plant them in individual pots with sandy substrates in spring or autumn.
Planting or transplanting time
The best time to definitely plant it in the garden or move it to a larger pot is in spring, when the risk of frost has passed and temperatures, both minimum and maximum, begin to rise.
Pruning
Pruning It's not necesary, but if you want it can be pruned towards the end of winter using gloves to protect the hands. Nor would it hurt to wear protective glasses to avoid the risk of contact of the cut plant remains with the eyes.
Rusticity
It supports well the cool, but not the frost.
What is Jimson weed for?
Our protagonist used as an ornamental plant. Having a plant with flowers in the shape of a trumpet is something very original and decorative. In addition, it can be used to have in different corners of the garden or to decorate the terrace or patio.
Although it may seem otherwise, and as we have already mentioned, it is a beautiful but dangerous plant if it is not known. It has analgesic, sedative and antispasmodic properties, but it should never be consumed unless directed by a doctor as it contains alkaloids (scopolamine and atropine) that have a narcotic effect on the human body. Poisoning causes symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth and throat, vomiting, vertigo, delusions, seizures, loss of coordination, coma, and death.
Anyway, it is a real danger and is not used for more than decoration, as all parts of the plant are toxic. You have to be much more careful with the seeds, which is why it is so important to avoid having this species in our garden if there are children and / or domestic animals, but any of its parts can cause us, at least, itching and irritation if it enters contact with any cut or wound.
Still, I wouldn't want to end this article without insisting on one thing first: In nature there are plants that are dangerous for humans, but that does not mean they have to be eliminated. I think it is much better to choose to know them thoroughly and enjoy their beauty, because we cannot forget that plant beings have been living on Earth for much longer than we have, and that each and every living creature has our role in this. wonderful planet that has touched us. And that, precisely, we take care of in this blog 🙂.
The tomato plants that are nearby are contaminated, or it does not influence anything, and the tomatoes can be eaten calmly.
Hello Angel.
I would say that it does not influence, because after all the jimson weed is not a parasitic plant, and therefore it does not enter the body of other plants. But I wouldn't put my hand in the fire.
A greeting.