Poisonous invasion: What is the 'devil's trumpet' harming crops in Iraq?
2 hours ago
- #invasive species
- #environment
- #agriculture
- Iraq's Interior Ministry warns about an invasion of datura plants, also known as devil's trumpet, threatening crops.
- Datura contains toxic compounds affecting nervous systems but has medicinal uses in precise doses.
- Originally from Central America, datura spread globally and thrives in varied climates, including Iraq's ideal conditions.
- Scientists note datura's rapid adaptation to new environments, aided by neglected agricultural lands in Iraq.
- Despite campaigns to combat it, datura may continue expanding geographically, especially in warm zones.