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Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to noon ~ Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of the Chihuahuan Desert.
The Big Bend chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will explore poisonous and medicinal plants of the Chihuahuan Desert in a class from 10 a.m. to noon on February 18 in the Warnock Science Building 201 on the Sul Ross Campus. Dr. Martin Terry, biology professor at Sul Ross will present the program.
“It’s often true,” said Big Bend chapter president Dallas Baxter, that a plant has both properties, depending on which part of the plant is used, how it’s ingested and the size of the dosage.”
Datura, also known as Jimsonweed, is well known for its large, fragrant tubular blooms. “Datura has been used medicinally for the treatment of asthma (administered by inhalation of the smoke), and also as a hallucinogen, self-administered as a tea by naive teenagers, who do it once and never again because of the aversive systemic effects on the autonomic nervous system,” said Terry. In this case, “aversive” means fatal.
Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling or e-mailing Fonda Ghiardi at 432.426.2363 or fondag@sbcglobal.net. Members attend at no cost; guests are welcome and are asked to make a $5 donation.
The mission of the Native Plant Society is the research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example. Membership information is available at the meeting.
The Warnock Science Building is on the east side of the Sul Ross campus; parking is available next door behind the Fine Arts Building
Photo of Datura wrightii (Solanceae). Jimson weed. By Michael Eason
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