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Top, a large sphinx moth larva hangs upon a datura leaf stalk, amid the newly-opened blossoms. Center, the pupa of the sphinx moth, showing the outlines of the wings developing within it. Bottom, sphinx moth drinking from datura flower. |
There are many, recent cases of the ingestion of datura seeds, some of them innocently taken by small children, but others purposely chewed or swallowed to induce intoxication. Although the individual drugs contained within the plant are used by the medical profession in the treatment of many ailments, they are quite dangerous and even deadly in uncontrolled dosages. Early symptoms of datura poisoning consist of nausea, lack of muscle coordination, hot, flushed skin, and dilation of the pupils. These conditions are often followed by hallucinations, delerium, coma, and even death. Fortunately for those who recover from the painful and frightening ordeal, clinical reports show no permanent neurological damage.
Unaffected by the powerful alkaloids contained within the plant, many insects can live upon it. Certain species of grasshoppers feed upon the leaves, as do some beetles and their larvae, particularly those of the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. Several species of hemipterans-the true bugs-pierce the stems and leaves with their sharp beaks, sucking the juices therefrom. These small insects in turn attract such predatory creatures as the crab spiders, jumping spiders, and the praying mantis, which prowl among the foliage or lie in wait for their prey.
Among of the most common and most noticeable creatures which feed upon the datura leaves are the large, green larvae of the big sphinx moths -genus Manduca. Not only do these large moths feed upon the nectar of the newly-opened blooms, but they also lay their eggs upon the plant during their night-time visits. The foliage consumed by sphinx moth larvae is considerable, and an individual plant upon which several of these large larvae have fed may be quite decimated of foliage.
When winter comes to the desert, cold waves sweep down from the northwest, and during the night the mercury plunges beneath the freezing mark. The morning light shows the datura plants with blackened, wilted leaves. These soon shrivel and dry, falling to the ground, and nothing remains but dry stalks, with the old, brown and prickly pods hanging from the lifeless branches. For several months they shall remain so, but in the warmth of the early spring days, buried seeds and still living roots will bring forth new foliage. Overwintering pupae of the late broods of sphinx moths and other insects will hatch, and the complex relationships of flowering, pollination, predator, and prey which take place within the spreading branches of each individual sacred datura plant will begin once more.