textured calyx and corolla. The light red to salmon- 
colored corolla tube fades into yellow near the mouth. 
The nerves are red, and the slightly inflated calyx tube 
dehisces after anthesis. In comparison, the flowers of 
Datura sanguinea are vertically pendulous, variously 
pubescent, and although the coloration is quite variable, 
the corolla tube is usually yellow becoming red towards 
the mouth with conspicuous greenish to yellow nerves. 
A much inflated calyx tube which is often persistent 
following anthesis forms a husk around the fruit. 
Datura vulcanicola, as far as | could judge, does not 
reach the great height or corpulence which is commonly 
found in D. sanguinea. The chromosome number of 2n 
=24 (4. S. Barclay & R. FE. Schultes no. 147) agrees 
with that of the other arborescent Daturas investigated. 
In a communication to me, Professor Schermerhorn 
of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy has related 
that a preliminary biochemical analysis of the leaves of 
this new species has shown no significant differences be- 
tween the alkaloids present in Datura vulecanicola and 
in the other species of Datura. 
Although Datura vulcanicola occurs in large numbers 
in the subpdiramo heath vegetation under conditions 
which could be interpreted as wild, | am of the opinion 
that the abundance of individuals at the type locality is 
probably the result of human activity. My principle 
reason for believing this is that most of the plants were 
growing along what are or obviously had been foot paths 
or donkey trails. Furthermore, we must not overlook the 
fact that for centuries this agriculturally rich volcanic 
area has been populated by advanced Indian peoples who 
are known to have employed Daturas as narcotics in their 
magic and therapeutic practices. It is interesting to note 
in this connection, however, that 2. vulcanicola has not 
been spread, at least to any appreciable extent, from this 
| 271. | 
