2025, Vol. 13, Issue 6, Part B

author(s)
Tarang Ojha and Shahdab Hussain

abstract
A field study was conducted in Hammirgarh Ecopark to systematically document and compare the morphological characteristics of three congeneric species: Datura ferox, Datura stramonium, and Datura metel. The study aimed to create a reliable field identification key by analyzing vegetative and reproductive structures, including growth habit, leaves, flowers, and fruit. While the species shared a general growth form, distinct diagnostic characters were identified. The corolla of D. metel was significantly larger, more flared, and often purple or yellow compared to the smaller, white, slender trumpets of D. stramonium and D. ferox. The most definitive differentiation was observed in the fruit morphology: D. stramonium possesses numerous slender, sharp spines; D. metel has short, soft, fleshy tubercles; and D. ferox is characterized by its exceptionally long (>2 cm), robust, and fiercely sharp spines. This study confirms that these three Datura species, though similar, can be unequivocally distinguished in the field using these key morphological traits. The findings provide a practical tool for botanists and park visitors for accurate species identification and contribute to the floristic documentation of Hammirgarh Ecopark.