**TOXIC**

Datura, also known as Jimsonweed, Devil’s snare, or Moonflower, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Solanaceae. It includes several species, such as Datura stramonium, Datura inoxia, and Datura metel, among others. Datura plants are known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers and their hallucinogenic and toxic properties.

Datura plants are native to various regions around the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They are typically herbaceous annual or perennial plants, but some species can grow into shrubs or small trees. Datura plants have a bushy or spreading growth habit, and their leaves are large, alternate, and often deeply lobed or toothed.

One of the most distinctive features of Datura is its trumpet-shaped flowers, which can be white, yellow, purple, or pink, depending on the species and cultivar. The flowers are often fragrant and open in the evening, giving them the common name “Moonflower.” They attract pollinators such as moths and bats. Following pollination, Datura plants produce distinctive spiky seed pods that contain numerous small, round seeds.

While Datura plants have some historical and cultural significance, it’s important to note that they are highly toxic. All parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, seeds, and stems, contain a variety of toxic compounds, such as tropane alkaloids. These compounds have hallucinogenic properties and can cause a range of severe physiological and psychological effects.

Ingesting or coming into contact with Datura can lead to symptoms such as dilated pupils, dry mouth, blurred vision, increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, hallucinations, delirium, confusion, agitation, and even seizures. The severity of these effects can vary depending on the amount ingested and an individual’s sensitivity. In some cases, Datura poisoning can be life-threatening.

Due to its toxic nature, Datura is not recommended for cultivation in areas accessible to children or pets. It should be handled with extreme caution, wearing gloves and protective clothing, and proper disposal of any plant parts is essential. It is also important to note that the hallucinogenic properties of Datura can lead to unpredictable and dangerous behavior, and recreational or medicinal use of Datura is strongly discouraged.

In summary, Datura is a genus of flowering plants known for their large trumpet-shaped flowers and toxic properties. While they possess some aesthetic appeal, it is important to exercise caution and avoid any contact or ingestion of Datura plants due to their highly toxic and potentially dangerous effects on human health.