The so-called thorn apple (genus Datura) has similar flowers to the angel's trumpet (genus Brugmansia), but in contrast to this it grows much lower and is only annual or at least rather short-lived. In addition, fruit capsules develop from the flowers after the flowering period, which, in contrast to the angel's trumpet, have a large number of evenly distributed spikes.
Datura flowers white to violet
The shape and color of datura blossoms
Datura flowers have calyxes shaped as a cylindrical calyx, with trumpet-like petals protruding from a green base. The calyx surrounding the stamens is usually of the following colors in the different species:
- White
- violet
- lavender
Sometimes the corollas are double or triple filled. The seeds from the egg-shaped fruit capsules, which burst late, often do not sow themselves until the following year and, due to their large number, make datura a problematic field weed in vegetable cultivation.
The heyday of the datura
Due to the relatively easy propagation and the long flowering period from July to October, Datura is often planted in gardens. The flowers are mainly visited by moths, as they usually only open in the evening.
tips
Since the thorn apple is highly poisonous, special care should be taken with children or pets in the garden.