Datura: An attractive yet toxic flower... spotted spreading in several locations in Kuwait - Sarmad

An attractive yet poisonous plant has been recorded among Kuwait’s flora, but it is an invasive species in the local environment. Given its dangers, relevant authorities are mobilizing efforts to raise awareness about it, particularly following reports of its spread in several locations across the country.

The seasonal “Datura” plant belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. It typically appears in spring and summer, with its growth and flowering sometimes extending into early autumn, depending on temperature and humidity levels. It is characterized by large, trumpet-shaped white or purple flowers that bloom at night, large leaves with a pungent odor, and spiny, spherical green fruits containing numerous seeds.

Its danger lies in the fact that all its parts—including leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, and seeds—contain toxic alkaloid compounds, particularly tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. Ingestion of these substances can lead to acute poisoning.

Symptoms of ingestion also include neurological and cardiac disturbances, such as dry mouth, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, confusion, delirium, and severe hallucinations. Seizures or coma may occur, and the plant poses a threat to human life that can be fatal.

Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Omair, head of the Kuwait Poison Control Center at Al-Amiri Hospital under the Ministry of Health, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Monday that there are various plant species in the country that naturally contain toxic substances, whether they are ornamental plants grown indoors or in gardens, or plants that grow in open areas.

Al-Omair added that the danger of these plants varies depending on the species, the part of the plant involved, and the method of exposure. Some plants may cause mild symptoms, while ingestion of parts of other species can lead to severe poisoning requiring medical intervention.

Regarding the Datura plant, he noted that it can grow and reproduce spontaneously. Its presence in a location does not necessarily mean it was intentionally cultivated. Furthermore, the presence of a toxic plant in the environment does not automatically pose a direct threat to residents; the primary risk arises when the plant is consumed or used unsafely, underscoring the need for health awareness to prevent exposure.

He clarified that the center recently dealt with severe poisoning cases in the country resulting from the consumption of toxic plants like Datura, which required hospitalization and treatment, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about exposure to this type of plant, especially among children.

Regarding reports of Datura in the country, he stated that the center received reports of the plant being spotted in some residential areas and public places. Consequently, coordination has been established with relevant authorities to conduct preventive awareness campaigns and to take serious action to locate and remove the plants.

Al-Omair indicated that the center held a coordination meeting with the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs to discuss the issue of toxic plants. The two entities are coordinating to establish a clear mechanism for reporting, identifying, and assessing the risks of these plants, as well as determining appropriate response measures, each according to their respective jurisdictions.

He emphasized that this cooperation is part of expanding the preventive role of the center and enhancing integration between health and environmental authorities to mitigate the risks of exposure to toxic substances and protect the health of citizens and residents.

He warned that if a toxic plant is consumed and symptoms appear, one should immediately go to the emergency department and seek medical advice early, without attempting to induce vomiting or use home remedies. It is also essential to keep a clear photograph of the plant or a part of it to assist in identifying the species.

He added that the Kuwait Poison Control Center provides specialized advice around the clock at 1804774 regarding exposure and poisoning cases, and assists in determining appropriate medical procedures based on the type of exposure and the patient’s condition.

He advised against using wild plants to prepare beverages, folk remedies, or home treatments without verifying their identity and safety, warned against tampering with or consuming them, urged keeping children away from them, and stressed that their assessment and handling should be left to the competent authorities.

For her part, Sharifa Al-Salem, head of the Wildlife Monitoring Department at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, told KUNA that “Datura” is a seasonal toxic invasive plant in the Kuwaiti environment. Ingestion can cause poisoning, hallucinations, and disturbances in the nervous system, heart rhythm, and various bodily functions, and may lead to death.

Al-Salem added that the Authority discussed with the Kuwait Poison Control Center, during a recent coordination meeting, reports concerning the presence of certain toxic plants near public places, with Datura being the most prominent.

She clarified that the meeting also addressed mechanisms for handling reports related to toxic species of wild terrestrial and marine life, including scorpions—most commonly the black-tailed scorpion in the country—snakes such as the desert black snake, marine snakes, jellyfish, and some spiny fish like the stonefish.

She noted that the meeting discussed ways to enhance coordination and information exchange among competent authorities, and to designate contact points to ensure rapid response and the adoption of appropriate measures to mitigate potential risks to public health and the environment.

She pointed out that this meeting is part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with relevant stakeholders, monitor sites of toxic plants, and take necessary measures regarding them.

She called on the public not to touch, collect, or consume these plants, nor to touch or handle the aforementioned organisms, and to report their locations to the competent authorities, thereby contributing to community protection and the preservation of biodiversity.

For her part, Nof Al-Hashash, Acting Director of the Environmental Rehabilitation Department at the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, told KUNA that Datura is characterized by its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions and to grow in open lands and environmentally disturbed sites, in addition to producing large quantities of seeds that can remain dormant in the soil for long periods before germinating when suitable environmental conditions, particularly moisture and water, are available.

Al-Hashash added that the availability of suitable conditions contributes to increasing the plant’s spread and the difficulty of controlling it, highlighting the importance of a scientific and systematic approach to managing toxic plants, especially invasive species that possess a high capacity for spread and reproduction in local environments, as part of efforts to protect public health and preserve the environment and plant diversity in the country.

Regarding the legislative and regulatory aspects, she clarified that the Seed, Seedling, and Cutting Regulations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries constitute one of the relevant legal frameworks governing the trade and control of seeds, seedlings, and cuttings, thereby supporting efforts to limit the introduction and spread of unwanted plant species.

She noted that the Agriculture Authority plays a fundamental technical role in identifying plant species, evaluating their environmental characteristics and spread risks, and contributing to formulating appropriate technical recommendations for their management and control within the scope of its mandates under prevailing national legislation and in coordination with relevant authorities.

It was reported that the Agriculture Authority proposed holding a joint coordination meeting with the Poison Control Center and the Environment Authority, with the aim of developing an integrated national program to manage this plant and curb its spread, in accordance with the mandates and responsibilities of each entity.

Al-Hashash indicated that the program would focus on conducting a comprehensive field survey to map the plant’s distribution sites, determine its density and growth stages, while prioritizing sensitive locations, including schools, public facilities, parks, and areas frequented by children.

She clarified that the meeting participants would carry out a scientific assessment of the health and environmental risks associated with the presence of the plant, paving the way for a technical plan for control and safe removal when necessary. This plan would identify the most appropriate methods for handling existing plants, fruits, and seeds, as well as mechanisms for collecting, transporting, and disposing of toxic plant waste using approved procedures that prevent seed re-dissemination and protect workers and the public from poisoning risks.

She noted that the plan would also include a monitoring and periodic follow-up program for treated sites, given the ability of Datura seeds to remain viable in the soil and germinate again under suitable conditions, thereby ensuring the evaluation of control measures’ effectiveness and limiting the recurrence of the plant’s spread.

She emphasized that community awareness constitutes the cornerstone and most critical element of the proposed program, through the development of educational and scientific materials to introduce this plant and other toxic plants prevalent in Kuwait, detailing their morphological characteristics, health risks, and safe handling methods, in collaboration with relevant health, educational, and environmental authorities.

She pointed out that managing invasive toxic plants requires an integrated national approach that combines scientific knowledge, environmental assessment, field monitoring, and community awareness, contributing to the protection of public health, the reduction of environmental risks, and the enhancement of sustainable management of the country’s vegetation cover.