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Charles Zidar
ANCIENT MAYA BOTANICAL RESEARCH |
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| Family: | Solanaceae | | Genus: | Datura | | Species: | inoxia | | Authority: | (Pers.) Saff. | | Common Name: | angel’s trumpet | | Maya Name: | toloache | | Depictions: | Jade ear flares | | Maya Plant Use: | Medicine, poison, ritual
Added to balche
Brugmansia and Datura are genera used for rheumatic ills with Datura being a holy medicine. Chemicals present include atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. The roots, seeds, and leaves are used, added to maize for a drink called Tesquino. A tea is made from the juice of the branches of another family member, Solandra brevicalyx. (See Plants of the Gods, Shultes and Hofmann 1992) | | Botanical Significance: | Members of the Solanaceae family are known hallucinogens. It is not surprising to see this plant represented on ancient Maya art. | | Ritual Significance: | This plant was most likely used as a hallucinogen during important Maya ceremonies. | | Notes: | D. stramonium L. | | Photos: | Click on an image below for high resolution comparison. |
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