The plant known as burracho, or more commonly Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), is a widespread annual herb found across many parts of the world. Originally from the tropical Americas, it has since naturalized globally. While its large, trumpet-shaped flowers are striking, understanding this plant is crucial for anyone who might encounter it in their environment.
Identifying the Burracho Plant
Identifying burracho involves several distinct physical characteristics. It typically grows as an erect, bushy annual, reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet. Its stems are hollow, branched, and can range from green to reddish-purple. A notable feature is the unpleasant odor emitted when the leaves or other parts are crushed.
The leaves are large (3 to 8 inches long), ovate, with irregularly toothed or lobed margins. They are typically dark green on top and lighter underneath, often feeling soft. The large, fragrant, funnel or trumpet-shaped flowers bloom primarily at night. These five-lobed flowers are usually white to creamy or pale violet, emerging singly from leaf axils or branch forks.
After flowering, the plant develops a distinctive fruit: a spiny, egg-shaped capsule. Often called a “thornapple” or “devil’s cucumber,” this capsule is 1 to 2.5 inches long and densely covered with short, sharp spines. Upon maturity, the capsule splits into four sections, releasing numerous flat, kidney-shaped, shiny black seeds.
Understanding Burracho’s Toxicity
All parts of the burracho plant are toxic, containing tropane alkaloids like atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. These compounds have anticholinergic properties, disrupting nerve impulses. The highest concentrations of these toxins are typically found in the seeds.
Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to severe poisoning in humans and animals. Symptoms, appearing within 30 to 60 minutes, may include dilated pupils, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, fever, disorientation, and hallucinations. More severe cases can involve bizarre behavior, urinary retention, seizures, coma, or respiratory failure. If exposure is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Where Burracho Thrives
Burracho is an opportunistic plant thriving in various environments. It prefers disturbed soils, making it common in waste areas, along roadsides, and agricultural fields. It is also frequently found in barnyards, old feedlots, and around construction sites, thriving in nutrient-rich conditions. While it tolerates a range of soil types, it performs best in moist, fertile soils.
As a summer annual, it emerges in spring, sets seed in late summer or fall, and dies with the first frost. It requires full sun for optimal growth but can tolerate partial shade. Its adaptability and prolific seed production contribute to its widespread presence as a weed.
Safe Handling and Management
Precautions are essential when encountering burracho plants due to their toxicity. Always wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling the plant, as direct contact can irritate skin and eyes. For removal, young plants can be hand-pulled, ensuring roots are entirely removed. Larger, more established plants require digging out with a shovel or grub hoe, as they develop branched taproots.
Proper disposal of removed plant material is necessary to prevent seed spread. Bag the plant material, especially if seed pods are present, and dispose of it in landfill-bound garbage. Avoid composting or burning burracho, as toxins can be released into the smoke and seeds can remain viable for many years. To prevent new growth, keep children and pets away from the plants and any areas where they might have been removed.