Angel’s trumpet

A vigorous 2 to 5 meter tall, poisonous shrub belonging to the nightshade family with coarsely lobed leaves, characteristic large, drooping, bell-shaped, up to 30 cm long, yellow or whitish pink flowers and walnut-sized berries. All plant organs, roots, leaves and flowers are poisonous. Flowering time: August to October, fruit ripening: December to February

Occurrence: Originally from the Andes of South America, now worldwide.

No recognized phytotherapeutic use, decorative ornamental plant. Abused as a hallucinogen due to the tropane alkaloids it contains(scopolamine, hyoscyamine).

Atropine-like effects, mydriasis, dry mouth, anhidrosis. Tachyarrhythmia, confusion, disorientation, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, delirium, amnesia, nausea, vomiting, also constipation, poisoning and even death. Centrally depressant, also in case of contact of unprotected skin with plant parts or transconjunctival absorption by rubbing the eyes after contact with the plant, but also through pollen exposure.

see also atropine poisoning