Datura innoxia – Indian Thornapple
Datura innoxia, known as Indian thornapple, is an impressive ornamental plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is famous for its large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening and emit a strong fragrance at night – hence the English name moonflower. The entire plant is softly, velvety hairy. In temperate climates, it is grown as an annual from spring sowing.
Synonyms and nomenclature
The species was described by Miller (1768); the name is conserved. The Kew POWO database lists several synonyms for it:
- Datura meteloides DC. ex Dunal
- Datura guayaquilensis Kunth
- Datura velutinosa V.R.Fuentes
Note on spelling: both forms – innoxia and inoxia – are in use. In English, the plant is called pricklyburr, downy thorn-apple, and moonflower, while in Mexico it is known as toloache; the Polish name is bieluń indiański.
Origin and appearance
The species originates from the southwestern United States (from Texas) to Mexico, from where it has been widely introduced to South America, Africa, southern Europe, Asia, and Australia. It is a bushy plant 0.6–1 m tall with a spreading habit up to 1–2 m wide, featuring large, ovate, gray-green, and velvety hairy leaves.
The flowers are large (12–20 cm), trumpet-shaped and upright, usually white or cream, sometimes with a pink or lavender tint; they open in the evening, emit a strong fragrance at night, and wilt by noon the next day. Characteristic are the hanging, spherical seed pods densely covered with long, thin spines.
Frost resistance and cultivation
The plant is heat-loving – as a perennial it only survives in USDA zones 9–10, so in temperate climates it is grown as an annual from spring sowing. It requires full sun and fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates heat and temporary drought but grows best with regular, moderate watering.
Cultivation from seeds
The seeds have a hard shell, so it is recommended to scarify (cut or rub) and soak them in warm water for about a day before sowing. Sow them indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, at a temperature of 24–27°C. Germination can be uneven, so patience is helpful.
Safety – poisonous plant
The entire plant is highly poisonous. It contains tropane alkaloids – atropine, scopolamine (hyoscine), and hyoscyamine – toxic even in small doses. Datura innoxia is purely an ornamental plant; keep it away from children and animals, and exercise caution when handling it.
Uses and suitability
This is a classic night garden plant – its large, white, fragrant “moonlight” flowers look best at dusk and after dark. Recommended for enthusiasts of fragrant and exotic plants and collectors, but not for homes and gardens with small children or pets.
Interesting facts
In ancient Mexican cultures – among the Aztecs and desert peoples – toloache was a ritual and medicinal plant with hallucinogenic effects. Datura innoxia was also a classic subject of genetic and cytogenetic studies on the genus Datura, conducted among others by Albert Blakeslee.
Summary
Indian datura is one of the most beautiful night garden plants – its large, white, fragrant flowers on a velvety hairy plant make an impression at dusk. Cultivation from seeds is accessible, requiring only warmth and sunlight and caution due to toxicity, with the result being spectacular “moonlight” blooming throughout the summer.
