Datura ferox
Demonstr. Pl., 6. 1753.
Herbs annual, to 10 dm. Stems puberulent, sometimes glabrescent. Leaf blades broadly ovate, to 13 × 8 cm, margins usually sinuate-dentate, sometimes pinnately lobed, surfaces glabrescent. Flowers: calyx with minute pubescence along veins, tube cylindric, 5-toothed; corolla white, trumpet-shaped, 4–6 cm, acuminate lobes alternating with sinuses. Capsules erect, dehiscent by 4 valves, pericarp dry, sparsely hairy, with prickles unequal, some 15+ mm, proximals shorter than distals; calyx remnant not accrescent. Seeds black, 4–4.5 mm, convex marginal ridge absent, testa rugose; caruncle absent. 2n = 24.
Phenology: Flowering Jun–Sep.
Habitat: Cultivated fields, irrigation ditches, road and trail margins, waste places.
Elevation: 0–150 m.
Distribution
Introduced; Ala., Ark., Calif., Ga., Nev., N.Y., N.C., Pa., occasional nearly worldwide.
Discussion
The origin and native status of Datura ferox is unresolved, although China has been cited as the country of origin since Linnaeus. The most extensive phytogeographic distribution of this species is in northern Argentina. Its association with ship ballast and seed stock of monocultural crops may explain its local abundance when introduced.
Selected References
None.