Datura discolor, commonly called the desert thorn apple, is an annual herbaceous plant in the nightshade family of Solanaceae. It is native to the Sonoran desert. The name discolor, meaning “various colors”, is in reference to the upright, trumpet-shaped, white flowers with a purple center. D. discolor can grow up to 4.5 feet tall at maturity. All parts of the plant are considered to be toxic if too much is ingested. Datura species contain the tropane alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, which are all prescription medications commonly used in western medicine. These tropane alkaloids are used medicinally to dilate pupils, dry secretions, help with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal and bladder spasms, heart arrhythmias, pain related to certain conditions, and tremors related to Parkinson’s disease. The alkaloid content varies greatly from plant to plant and even from different parts of the same plant which makes it dangerous to ingest. Transdermal oils can be made from the plant which makes the alkaloid content more predictable and safer to use, but there is no completely safe way to administer Datura. USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10.
Sow the Datura discolor seeds 1/4 inch deep in a well draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet, and keep between 65°F and 80°F for best results. Seeds typically take 1 to 6 weeks to germinate, but can take longer. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING DISCLAIMER:
All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.