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DATURA / Depew, Wally., 1985

 Item
Identifier: CC-15168-15489

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Scope and Contents

The word "DATURA" is rubberstamped in different layouts over several pages followed by an "APPENDIX" repeating the word "DATURA" in different colors with overprinting and smudging on a wider page that has been folded in at one end and rubberstamped with a colored flower. Wikipedia states the following: Datura are herbaceous, leafy annuals and short-lived perennials which can reach up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, 10--20 cm long and 5--18 cm broad, with a lobed or toothed margin. The flowers are erect or spreading (not pendulous like those of the closely allied Brugmansia), trumpet-shaped, 5--20 cm long and 4--12 cm broad at the mouth; colors vary from white to yellow, pink, and pale purple. The fruit is a spiny capsule 4--10 cm long and 2--6 cm broad, splitting open when ripe to release the numerous seeds. The seeds disperse freely over pastures, fields and even wasteland locations. Datura belongs to the classic "witches' weeds," along with deadly nightshade, henbane, and mandrake. Most parts of the plants contain toxic hallucinogens, and Datura has a long history of use for causing delirious states and death. It was well known as an essential ingredient of love potions and witches' brews. Common names include Thorn Apple (from the spiny fruit), Pricklyburr (similarly), Jimson Weed, Moonflower, Hell's Bells, Devil's Weed, Devil's Cucumber, and Devil's Trumpet, (from their large trumpet-shaped flowers). Nathaniel Hawthorne refers to one type in The Scarlet Letter as Apple-Peru. In Mexico, its common name is "Toloache". -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.

Dates

  • Creation: 1985

Creator

Extent

0 See container summary (1 soft cover book (string spine) + 3 pages (fold-out, rubberstamped) + 7 pages (rubberstamped) + page (typed) (31 pages) in cover (rubberstamped)) ; 7.1 x 21.7 x .5 cm

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Physical Location

box shelf

Custodial History

The Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry, on loan from Ruth and Marvin A. Sackner and the Sackner Family Partnership.

General

Published: Cottonwood, Arizona : Bright Moments. Nationality of creator: American. General: About 10 total copies. General: Number of duplicates: 5. General: Added by: CONV; updated by: MARVIN.

Repository Details

Part of the The Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry Repository

Contact:
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