(Syn. Brugmansia. Nat. Ord. Solanacese).This is a genus of greenhouse shrubs and annuals. The shrubby species attain a height of 10-12 ft., and the annuals about 2 ft. Turfy loam, with a liberal addition of well-decayed manure and some sharp sand, is a suitable compost. Propagation is best effected by cuttings for the shrubby species, and by seed for the annuals. Culture.-Cuttings, about 6 ins. long, taken with a heel, will root readily in light soil if given gentle bottom heat. Seeds sown in heat in the spring soon germinate. The young plants should be hardened off, and may be planted out when all danger of frost is over. Uses.The shrubby species are only suitable for large greenhouses, as the branches spread widely. Established plants are, however, extremely handsome when in bloom during July and August, and the flowers are sweetly scented. When grown in pots or tubs, they may be placed out of doors during the summer months. Winter treatment is the same as that given to the Fuchsia, which see. The annuals A popular name for Datura is Thorn Apple.Editor.may be grown and used in the same way as any other greenhouse plant. Varieties.Datura suaveolens, and its garden form Knightii, are the best known and most useful. These, and Arborea, have white flowers. D. chlorantha, a May flowering species, is yellow, and D. sangmnea bears scarlet blooms in August. The two last are not often grown now. J. L. G. See also Thorn Apple in MEDICINAL Herbs.
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