Long Spined Thorn Apple

''Datura ferox'', commonly known as Long Spined Thorn Apple or Fierce Thornapple, is a species of ''Datura''. Like all such species, every part of the plant contains deadly toxins that can kill animals that ingest it. Its fruit, red-brown when ripe, has unusually long thorns or spikes.

The species was first described in 1756 by Linnaeus. ''Ferox'' means "strongly fortified," referring to the fearsome-looking spines on the seed pod. It probably originated in southeastern China. Today it is found in all the warm parts of the earth, where it is regarded as a dangerous pasture weed.

''Datura ferox'' is an upright shrub 1½ to 3 feet high. Its thick stalks often have a red-violet color at the base. All the young shoots are noticeably hairy. The most conspicuous part of the plant is its very wide undulate, irregularly-toothed leaves, which are covered with soft, downy hairs. The yellowish white flowers are funnel-shaped and inconspicuous, and usually do not open completely.