'Datura'... An attractive flower and poisonous plant spreading in Kuwait

- Relevant authorities coordinate to monitor and remove the plants... Health warns of poisoning, hallucinations, and death

An attractive yet poisonous flower, this plant has been recorded in Kuwait but is an invasive species in the local environment. Due to its danger, relevant authorities are mobilizing efforts to raise awareness about it, particularly after 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 spherical, spiky 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, posing a life-threatening risk that can lead to death.

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 and 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 imply an immediate threat to the public; the primary risk arises when the plant is ingested or used unsafely, underscoring the need for health awareness to prevent exposure.

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

Regarding the monitoring 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 monitor its locations and remove it.

Al-Omair explained 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, assessing the risks of, and determining appropriate procedures for handling these plants, 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 someone ingests a poisonous plant and symptoms appear, they must immediately go to the emergency department and seek medical advice early on, without attempting to induce vomiting or use home remedies. It is essential to keep a clear photograph of the plant or a part of it to help identify its species.

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

He advised against using wild plants to prepare beverages, folk recipes, or home remedies without verifying their identity and safety. He urged people not to tamper with or consume them, to keep children away from them, and to leave their assessment and handling 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 (Note: Context implies Public Authority for Environment, but standard translation of الهيئة العامة للبيئة is Public Authority for Environment), told KUNA that “Datura” is a seasonal poisonous invasive plant in the Kuwaiti environment. Ingesting it causes poisoning, hallucinations, nervous system disorders, heart rhythm disturbances, and various bodily function impairments, which can 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 some poisonous plants near public places, with “Datura” being the most prominent.

She clarified that the meeting also addressed mechanisms for handling reports related to poisonous species of wild terrestrial and marine life, including scorpions, with the “black-tailed scorpion” being the most common in the country; snakes, such as the desert black snake and sea snakes; jellyfish; and some spiny poisonous fish like the “stonefish.”

She noted that the meeting discussed ways to enhance coordination and information exchange among competent authorities and designate contact points, ensuring rapid response and taking 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 parties, monitor sites of poisonous 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 creatures, and to report their locations to the competent authorities, thereby contributing to community protection and preserving biodiversity.

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

Al-Hushash added that the availability of suitable conditions contributes to increasing the chances of the plant’s spread and the difficulty of controlling it, highlighting the importance of a scientific and systematic approach to handling poisonous plants, especially invasive ones that possess a high capacity for spread and reproduction in local environments, within the framework of efforts aimed at protecting public health and preserving the environment and plant diversity in the country.

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

It noted that the Agriculture Authority plays a fundamental technical role in identifying plant species, assessing their environmental characteristics and spread risks, and contributing to formulating appropriate technical recommendations for their management and control, within the competencies stipulated by prevailing national legislation and in coordination with relevant authorities.

It added that the Agriculture Authority proposed holding a joint coordination meeting with the Poison Control Center and the Environment Authority, with the aim of preparing a comprehensive national program to deal with this plant and curb its spread, according to the competencies and responsibilities of each entity.

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

She clarified that the meeting participants will conduct a scientific assessment of the health and environmental risks associated with the presence of the plant, paving the way for developing a technical plan for control and safe removal when necessary. This plan will identify the most suitable methods for handling existing plants, fruits, and seeds, as well as mechanisms for collecting, transporting, and disposing of toxic plant waste in approved ways that prevent seed re-spread or expose workers and the public to poisoning risks.

She pointed out that the plan will 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 plant’s re-spread.

She emphasized that community awareness is the cornerstone and most important element of the proposed program, through the preparation 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 cooperation with relevant health, educational, and environmental authorities.

She noted that dealing with invasive toxic plants requires an integrated national approach combining scientific knowledge, environmental assessment, field monitoring, and community awareness, contributing to the protection of public health, mitigating environmental risks, and enhancing the sustainable management of the country’s vegetation cover.