Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
Opening times today: 10am - 6pm (Last entry allowed at 5pm)
Datura
Medicinal
Ayurveda

Datura

Datura metel

Datura is a large herbaceous plant with striking trumpet-shaped flowers, used cautiously in traditional medicine for pain relief and asthma due to its potent, toxic alkaloids.

Quick Facts

Height: 1–2 m m
Blooms: July–October
Woody green stems, large lobed green leaves, large white or purple trumpet-shaped flowers, spiny capsule fruits
20–35°C

Visit Information

Location

Wastelands, roadside edges, field borders, home herbal plots (with caution)

Best Viewing Time

Annual or short-lived perennial

Habitat & Care

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions

Lifespan

Annual or biennial depending on conditions

Temperature Range

Warm and dry

Significance

Medicinal Uses

Medicinal extracts under strict guidance, traditional asthma formulations

Cultural Significance

Contains potent alkaloids like scopolamine and atropine making it highly toxic

Conservation Status

Common in wild and disturbed soils

Did You Know?

Also called 'Devil's Trumpet' for its large flowers

Extremely toxic if misused

Historically used in ritual and shamanic contexts

Requires expert supervision for medicinal use

Plan Your Visit

Come and see this amazing plant species in person at Patna Zoo