Jimsonweed- FOR Erasmus+ proyect
Collaborative dictionary of mythological plants
founded by European Union
Target group number:25
scientific name:
Geneus: datura
species: D. estrsamonium
vulgar name:
Spanish: estramonio
Italian: stramonio
Greek: αγκαθόμηλο
morphological description:
Uses, threats and singularity
threats: Datura stramonium can be found in abundance in fields. It seems to pose a more immediate threat to agricultural fields and pastures. This plant is highly poisonous to both animals and humans and is considered a noxious weed in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan and Colorado.
singularity: The axillary, trumpet-shaped flowers of Datura stramonium have white to light purple corollas that measure from 7 to 10 cm (2.75-4 in.) in length and have five teeth along their margins. The calyxes are fused and measure from 3 to 5 cm (1-2 in.) in length. The flowers appear on the plant from June to August. The seed capsules of this plant are located at the forks between branches. They are ovoid in shape, 3-5 cm (1-2 in.) long and are covered in prickles. When mature, the capsules split open into four segments. They contain dark, wrinkled seeds. These seeds and all other parts of the plant are poisonous. The dried capsules often remain on the plant throughout the winter
symbolism
To many Native American tribes, this wild plant was the substance of dream time in the coming of age ceremony known as Toloache. It was used only by young men in an extended rite which could last many days, when the spiritual truths of the clan were shared in an atmosphere of mystical visions. A period of fasting preceded the drinking of datura tea to increase its psychoactive qualities. Other species, native to South America have been used in religious rites by people in the Amazon rain forests and in precolumbian Mexico and California.
Datura in large doses causes hallucinations, stupor and sometimes death. The juice from the fruits was applied to the mothers' nipples to kill unwanted infants.
Classical myths related to the plant
circe
Circe was a minor goddess of magic in Greek mythology, daughter of the Titans Helios, god of the sun, and Perse, an Oceanid. She had two brothers, Aeetes, who was the guardian of the Golden Fleece (which Jason and the Argonauts sought after), and Perses; and a sister, Pasiphae, who was the wife of Minos, king of Crete.
She is best known for her role in Homer's Odyssey. During their adventures towards Ithaca, Odysseus and his companions reached Colchys, where the residence of Circe was. She invited them all to a grand feast, which a lot of Odysseus' companions attended but not him. At the feast, one of the dishes was laced with a magical potion; when Odysseus' companions ate it, Circe made a quick move with her wand and turned them into pigs. Only one of the companions escaped unharmed and informed Odysseus. The hero, after taking advice from Hermes, protected himself from the spell by using a holy herb, and managed to befriend Circe and save his companions.
Another source mentions that Circe and Odysseus had three sons; Ardeas, Latinus, and Telegonus. In a lost epic called Telegony, Circe toldTelegonus that his father was Odysseus (who had meanwhile returned to Ithaca and his wife, Penelope), and Telegonus went to find him. However, Circe gave him a poisoned spear, with which Telegonus mistakenly killed his father. Afterwards, he returned home along withPenelope and Telemachus, his half brother, and Circe granted them immortality.