Editing Datura (section)

==Description==
''Datura'' species are [[Herbaceous plant|herbaceous]], leafy [[annual plant|annuals]] and short-lived [[perennial plant|perennials]], which can reach up to 2&nbsp;m in height. The [[leaf|leaves]] are alternate, 10–20&nbsp;cm long, and 5–18&nbsp;cm broad, with a lobed or toothed margin. The [[flower]]s are erect or spreading (not pendulous like those of ''[[Brugmansia]]''), trumpet-shaped, 5–20&nbsp;cm long, and 4–12&nbsp;cm broad at the mouth; colours vary from white to yellow and pale purple. The [[fruit]] is a spiny [[capsule (fruit)|capsule]], 4–10&nbsp;cm long and 2–6&nbsp;cm broad, splitting open when ripe to release the numerous [[seed]]s. The seeds disperse freely over pastures, fields, and even wasteland locations.

''Datura'' belongs to the classic "witches' weeds", along with [[deadly nightshade]], [[henbane]], and [[Mandragora officinarum|mandrake]]. All parts of the plants are toxic, and the genus has a long history of use for causing delirious states and death. It was well known as an essential ingredient of magical ointments, [[potions]], and witches' brews, most notably ''[[Datura stramonium]]''.<ref name="Preissel-2002"/><ref>Schultes, Richard Evans; Hofmann, Albert (1979). ''The Botany and Chemistry of Hallucinogens'' (2nd ed.). Springfield Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. pps. 261-4.</ref>

In India, ''D. metel'' has long been regarded as a poison and [[aphrodisiac]], having been used in [[Ayurveda]] as a medicine since ancient times. It features in rituals and prayers to Shiva and also in [[Ganesh Chaturthi]], a festival devoted to the deity [[Ganesha]].<ref name="Siklós-1993"/> The [[Caterpillar|larvae]] of some [[Lepidoptera]] ([[butterfly]] and [[moth]]) species, including ''[[Hypercompe indecisa]]'', eat some ''Datura'' species. It has been observed that while insects may prefer to feed on ''Datura'' leaves, other animals such as [[cows]] will generally avoid consuming them.