306 COMMON WEEDS 



shaped, and very resistant to the usual agents of de- 

 struction. 



All parts of the plant are very poisonous, but especi- 

 ally the seeds, the toxic principle being stated to be a 

 mixture of the alkaloids Atropine and Hyoscyamine ; its 



Photo, 1909. H. C. Long. 



FIG. 87. Thorn Apple (Datura Stramonium L.), showing tubular flower, 

 thorny capsule (centre), and root (cut off and crossed behind the stem). The 

 holes in some of the leaves are due to grubs. 



harmful properties are not destroyed either by drying 

 or boiling. Owing to its disagreeable odour and taste 

 the Thorn Apple is not likely to be eaten by live stock 

 even if found, and the accidents which have occurred 

 have been chiefly among children, who have eaten the 



