Status: Exotic
Synonyms:
Datura tatula Linnaeus
Datura stramonium looks similar to both D. wrightii and D. quercifolia, the other members of the genus
found regularly in the Gila National Forest and surrounding areas. However, the capsules and seeds can be
used to easily separate the three species. The capsules of D. wrightii hang downward (are dependent), while
those of D. stramonium and D. quercifolia are erect. In addition, the seeds of D. wrightii are brown with
three thickened cords of tissue around the rim. The capsule of D. quercifolia bears stout spines that are over
a centimeter long. The capsule of D. stramonium bears spines that are greater in number than those of D. quercifolia
and much shorter and less stout. The seeds of D. stramonium are kidney shaped, blackish and roughened. D. stramonium
is not as common as the other species of Datura, but can be found in sandy areas at lower to middle elevation in this area.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Datura stramonium, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, August 17, 2018
Datura stramonium, flower (smaller than D. wrightii), photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, August 17, 2018
Datura stramonium, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, October 25, 2017
Datura stramonium, habit, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, October 25, 2017
Datura stramonium, dehiscing capsule, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, October 25, 2017
Datura stramonium, dehiscing capsule with seeds visible, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, October 25, 2017
Datura stramonium, closeup of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, October 25, 2017
Datura stramonium, photomicrograph of seeds, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, October 25, 2017
Datura stramonium, photomicrograph of single seed, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Grant County, Pinos Altos, October 25, 2017
Back to the Index