Hairy thorn-apple
StarDatura wrightii
Synonyms: Datura metel var. quinquecuspidata, Datura innoxia subsp. quinquecuspidata
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Sacred datura held profound ceremonial importance across the indigenous Southwest and California. The Cahuilla, Kawaiisu, Luiseño, Diegueño, Tubatulabal, Costanoan, and others administered carefully prepared decoctions and infusions of the root as a hallucinogen and narcotic in male puberty initiations and vision rites (Bean and Saubel, 1972; Zigmond, 1981). Hopi, Navajo (Ramah), Keres, and Zuni used the plant ceremonially and for divination and as a dermatological poultice for wounds, swellings, snake bites, and bruises, as an analgesic for orthopedic pain and toothache, and as a veterinary aid (Whiting, 1939; Stevenson, 1915; Vestal, 1952). All parts contain dangerous concentrations of tropane alkaloids and traditional use required specialized knowledge.
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Botanical Description
Datura wrightii, sacred datura or hairy thorn-apple, is a robust, sprawling perennial herb in the family Solanaceae native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it occupies sandy washes, roadsides, desert scrub, and disturbed ground from sea level to about 2,200 m. Plants grow 0.5–1.5 m tall and twice as wide, forming a low, broad mound from a stout, woody, perennial root. The stems are stout, branched, and densely covered with fine grey-green pubescence, giving the whole plant a softly velvety appearance. The leaves are alternate, broadly ovate, 5–20 cm long, with shallowly toothed to nearly entire wavy margins and a slightly fetid odour when bruised. The spectacular flowers are erect, trumpet-shaped, 12–20 cm long, opening at dusk and pollinated by hawkmoths; the corolla is white, sometimes flushed lavender, with five short triangular teeth around the rim. The fruit is a nodding, spiny capsule about 4 cm in diameter that splits irregularly to release numerous flat, pale brown seeds.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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