Thorn-apple
Thorn-apple in a garden, Morecambe
Flower - front view
Flower- side view
Close-up of fruit - thorn-apple
Large pointed leaves
Datura stramonium
Solanaceae
July to October
It is found throughout the country but is less common
in the North
the Midlands and the far Southwest.
See the BSBI distribution map for Thorn-apple
It is a neophyte which has been grown in the UK since
the late 1500s, when it was used for the production of
alkaloids.
It has been recognised as a naturalised escape since
the 1770s.
It grows in waste ground, gardens, rubbish tips and
disturbed ground.
When it suddenly appears in gardens, it is thought to
be either bird sown or from bird seed.
Seeds are long lasting and lie dormant for long periods,
only germinating when ground is disturbed.
Thorn-apple is an annual, thick stemmed, dichotomously
branched, herb growing up to 1m.
Flowers are white, up to 8cm across, solitary and showy.
The calyx is 4cm long, 5-angled and pale green.
The flower is funnel-shaped with spreading, toothed
lobes.
Fruits are in the junction of the branches, spiny and
up to 7cm.
Leaves are dark green, up to 20cm and jaggedly
toothed.
Thorn-apple has an unpleasant smell.
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Next page: Throatwort
Thorn-apple in a garden, Morecambe
Flower - front view
Flower- side view
Close-up of fruit - thorn-apple
Large pointed leaves
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