16 



Datura atramonj-um and Cichorium intybus 



The Thorn Apple, Datura stramoniura (Solanaceae) 

 occurs from time to time in the Folkestone district, 

 and last year Miss D. Long was asked by a farmer to 

 identify a number that appeared among Kale in a field 

 near Post ling. It has creamy white triompet shaped 

 flowers and large coarsely toothed triangular leaves; 

 it grows about 18 ins. to 2 ft. high. It bears very 

 prickly seed pods about the size of: Horse Chestnut 

 burrs, each case containing about 200 seeds, black 

 when ripe. The seeds are very poisonous; from the 

 seeds and leaves is extracted a drug, used in cures 

 for asthma and rheumatism. 



Cichorium intybus - (Compositae) - The wild 

 chicory plant was found grov/ing in the gardens on the 

 Leas, opposite Clifton Gardens, just after the last 

 World V/ar, near the site of the great coastal guns 

 that v/ere placed on the Leas in those days. The 

 flowers are a lovely bright shade of blue and were 

 much admired by passers-by. The writer was told 

 that in the old days these plants were found 

 growing on the side of the old Cow Path leading 

 down to the Lower Road. 



(N.B. This beautiful plant is becoming 



rare. It is a native of chalk districts. 

 Prom the above note it seems likely 

 that it may reappear on its former 

 sites when they have ceased to be 

 cultivated). 



W. Copeland. 



