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.
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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