Datura metel – Devil's Trumpet
Datura metel, known as Devil's Trumpet or magnificent datura, is a striking ornamental plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is famous for its huge, trumpet-shaped flowers, which in cultivated varieties can be double and multicolored, and for its intense nighttime fragrance. In temperate climates, it is grown as an annual from spring sowing.
Synonyms and Nomenclature
The species was described by Linnaeus (1753). The Kew POWO database lists as many as 49 synonyms for it; the most common include:
- Datura fastuosa L.
- Datura alba Rumph. ex Nees
- Datura chlorantha Hook.
- Datura nigra Hassk.
- Stramonium metel (L.) Moench
- Datura muricata Link
In English, the plant is called Devil's trumpet, Hindu datura, and horn-of-plenty; Polish names include bieluń surmikwiat, bieluń wspaniały, formerly “Indian thorn apple.”
Origin and Appearance
According to POWO, the species is mainly known from cultivation (cultigen) with probable origin in Mexico; it is widely introduced and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a bushy annual plant reaching 0.5–1.5 m in height, with large, ovate, dark green leaves sometimes tinged with purple.
The flowers are large (10–20 cm), trumpet-shaped and upright, often double (double or triple) in ornamental varieties, in white, cream, yellow, and purple colors. After flowering, spherical capsules covered with blunt spines and bumps form, containing numerous seeds.
Frost Resistance and Cultivation
The plant is heat-loving and frost-sensitive – 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, a warm and sheltered location, and fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Due to its large leaf mass, it is sensitive to drying out and responds well to regular watering and fertilizing.
Cultivation from seeds
The seeds have a hard shell, so it is recommended to soak them in warm water for about a day before sowing. Sow them in March–April, covering with a 0.5–1 cm layer, at a temperature of 20–26°C. Germination can be irregular and spread out over time – usually 14–20 days, sometimes longer – which requires patience.
Safety – poisonous plant
The entire plant is highly poisonous. It contains tropane alkaloids – scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine – which are most concentrated in the seeds. Datura metel is purely an ornamental plant; it should be kept away from children and animals, and care should be taken when sowing and handling, with hands washed afterwards.
Uses and suitability
This is an ornamental plant for scented gardens, terraces, and large pots – its large, fragrant flowers that open in the evening are a strong accent in a summer garden. Recommended for exotic plant enthusiasts and collectors, but not for homes and gardens with small children or pets.
Interesting facts
In Ayurvedic tradition and Asian folk medicine, the plant was used ritually and medicinally despite its strong toxicity – hence the name Hindu datura. Ornamental varieties produce spectacular full flowers, “cup within a cup” type, which clearly distinguishes this species from the single flowers of other daturas.
Summary
Datura metel is one of the most striking annual plants for the summer garden – its huge, night-fragrant flowers and rapid growth from seeds make it a charming terrace decoration. It only requires sun, warmth, and caution due to its toxicity, and rewards with spectacular blooming throughout the summer.
