datura

[Arab. tatorah =the plant-genus described below.] Bot.: A genus of Solanaceæ, tribe Daturese. The calyx and corolla are infundibulate, the latter much the larger of the two, both five-lobed; capsule four celled. Datura stramonium is the Thorn Apple, better known in this country as the James town Weed, the name arising from a poisoning among the Virgin i an settlers by its use. It is found on dunghills, in waste places, . When taken internally it is a powerful narcotic; medically it is used in mania, convulsions, epilepsy, ticdoloureux, . When smoked it palliates the symptoms in asthma. D. tatula and metel are similarly used. The seeds of these two latter species are said to have been used to produce the frenzied ravings of the priests in the Delphic and some other temples. The Peruvians use for the same purpose D. sanguine a , manufacturing from it also an intoxicating beverage.