Downy Thorn Apple
Datura innoxia
NEMBA category
English: Downy Thorn Apple, Common Thorn Apple, Ditch Weed, Jimson Weed, Stinkwort
Afrikaans: Gewone Stinkblaar, Malpitte
Xhosa: umhlavuthwa
Zulu: iloqi
S. Sotho: lechoe
Datura innoxia, also known as Downy Thorn-apple, is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers and spiny seed capsules. This plant is considered an invasive species in South Africa, where it competes with native plants and poses a risk to livestock due to its toxicity.
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Origins: Tropical America
Overall Appearance: An erect, annual or perennial shrub with a spreading crown up to 1.5 meters high and often spreading rapidaly to form patches.
Leaves: Large, simple, elliptic leaves with entire margins and prominent veins.
Flowers: White, trumpet-shaped flowers, often with green veins in summer (typically October to March in South Africa)
Fruits: Spiny, egg-shaped capsules containing numerous brown seeds.
Seeds: Numerous, brown, and easily dispersed.
Soil Type: Tolerates a range of soil types.
Aspect: Full sun or partial shade.
Poisonous Parts: All parts of the plant are highly poisonous. They contain toxic alkaloids that can be fatal if ingested.
Provinces Affected: Widespread in South Africa.
Note: Datura innoxia is a highly toxic and invasive weed. Its ingestion can be fatal to livestock and humans.
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