Moonflower Datura inoxia
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as moonflower has a striking appearance. It is notable for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically white and exude a strong, sweet fragrance, especially at night when the blooms open. The flowers are constructed of five fused petals that unfurl in a spiral fashion, creating a mesmerizing effect. The plant's leaves are broad, coarse, and irregularly toothed, often having a soft, velvety texture with a grayish-green tint. Moonflower also bears spiny, egg-shaped seed pods that follow the blooming of its flowers. These pods are initially green, turning brown as they mature and dry. The overall visual impression of moonflower is one that is both robust and delicate, with an alluring scent that enhances its nighttime beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Solanaceae.
Synonyms
Moonflower, Thorn-apple, Angel's Trumpet, Downy Thorn Apple, Indian Apple, Sacred Datura, Tolguacha, Toloache, Pricklyburr, Devil's Weed, Nacazcul, Tolache, Jamestown Weed, Devil's Trumpet, Hell's Bells.
Common names
Datura innoxia, Datura meteloides.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Design: Datura inoxia, commonly known as moonflower, adds exotic beauty to gardens with its large, trumpet-shaped white flowers that bloom at night.
- Nocturnal Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of moonflower attract night-pollinating insects such as moths, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Aromatic Flowers: Moonflower emits a pleasant fragrance at night, which can create a sensory delight in evening gardens or outdoor spaces.
- Educational Interest: Datura inoxia can be used for educational purposes to study plant biology and the effects of alkaloids in botany classes.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: Moonflower has been used in various cultures for ceremonial and traditional purposes, offering cultural enrichment when grown.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Datura inoxia has been used traditionally to alleviate pain.
- Anesthetic: The plant contains compounds that may have local anesthetic effects.
- Antispasmodic: It has been used to relieve muscle spasms and cramps.
- Anti-inflammatory: Datura inoxia may possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Asthma relief: Historically, it has been used to ease asthma symptoms, though its use is now known to be risky and is not recommended.
- Sedative: The plant has been used for its sedative effects to induce sleep or reduce anxiety.
- Treatment of skin conditions: Traditional use includes the treatment of certain skin conditions, such as boils and ulcers.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Datura inoxia, commonly known as moonflower, has been used in traditional ceremonies by indigenous tribes in North and Central America for its hallucinogenic properties during spiritual rituals.
- The flowers of the moonflower have been used as a natural insect repellent when placed in grain storage containers to deter pests.
- The moonflower has been incorporated into works of art, such as paintings and literature, due to its striking appearance and psychoactive associations.
- Its seed pods have been utilized in crafts and jewelry-making due to their unique spiky appearance after they dry out.
- Gardeners sometimes plant moonflower as an ornamental plant due to its large, trumpet-shaped white flowers that bloom at night.
- The stem fibers of moonflower have been used in the past to make fishing nets and lines by indigenous peoples.
- Some cultures have used the plant in small quantities as a natural pesticide in agriculture, although this is risky due to its toxicity.
- The moonflower has been used as a component in some traditional dyes for fabrics, giving a range of hues from soft yellow to green.
- Datura inoxia has been utilized in the production of perfumes and scented oils for its intense fragrant properties.
- The alkaloids present in the moonflower have been researched for various industrial uses, such as biocontrol agents against harmful pests.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Datura is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Datura is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystical Visions: Datura inoxia, also known as Angel's Trumpet, is often associated with spiritual encounters and mystical experiences due to its hallucinogenic properties.
- Bewitchment: Because of its use in various traditional rituals and its intoxicating fragrance, Angel's Trumpet symbolizes enchantment and the ability to bewitch or cast a spell.
- Deception and Danger: The beauty of Angel's Trumpet hides the fact that the plant is highly toxic, representing the idea that something attractive on the outside can be dangerous within.
- Transformation: Angel's Trumpet undergoes a dramatic transformation from a closed bud to a large, open flower, symbolizing change and self-realization.
WaterThe Angel's Trumpet, commonly known as Datura inoxia, prefers to be watered deeply and allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically might be once a week, but this can vary depending on climate and indoor conditions. When watering, add water slowly until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the roots are thoroughly soaked. Over an average month, a mature Angel's Trumpet might require around 2 gallons of water, but this is strongly dependent on environmental conditions and the plant's size.
LightThe Angel's Trumpet thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is one where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, but is protected from the hot, midday sun which could scorch its leaves. A location that provides morning sunlight and afternoon shade would be ideal.
TemperatureThe Angel's Trumpet grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 80°F. Protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F, as frost can damage or kill the plant. The ideal conditions are warm with plenty of sunlight while avoiding extreme heat or cold.
PruningPruning the Angel's Trumpet is essential for encouraging bushier growth and more flowers. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back stems to shape the plant or control its size. This plant can be pruned heavily if needed, but annual light pruning is often sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMoonflower prefers well-draining sandy soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of two parts sand, one part peat, and one part compost with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for healthy growth.
RepottingMoonflowers should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and accommodate growing roots. Replace the soil mix and increase pot size if roots appear crowded.
Humidity & MistingMoonflower thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It can tolerate drier air but benefits from occasional misting if the air is very dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place moonflower in a sunny spot and ensure pot has drainage holes.
Outdoor
Plant moonflower in full sun, water regularly, and provide support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleDatura inoxia, commonly known as moonflower, germinates from seed in the spring as temperatures rise and soil warms. The seedling phase is marked by initial leaf growth as the plant establishes a root system. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, producing large, lobed leaves and stems that extend upwards and outwards. Following the vegetative stage, the moonflower progresses into the flowering phase, typically in the summer, showcasing large, trumpet-shaped, white or purple-tinged flowers that open at night. These flowers are then followed by the development of spiny seed pods that contain numerous seeds. Once mature, the seed pods split open, dispersing seeds which can give rise to new plants, thus completing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Datura inoxia, commonly known as Moonflower, is typically propagated by seed. The ideal time to sow Moonflower seeds is in the spring after the last frost when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently. The most popular method for propagation is to plant the seeds directly into well-draining soil, about 1/2 inch (approximately 1.3 centimeters) deep. It is recommended to soak the seeds for 24 hours in warm water before planting to encourage germination. Place the seeds in a sunny location and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks, and once the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final location.
