Mysterious Moonflower
by Judy Kennedy
Title
Mysterious Moonflower
Artist
Judy Kennedy
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
Sacred datura is one of the most beautiful and mysterious plants of the Arizona Sonoran Desert. While it has been used sparingly as a ritual deliriant and medicinal narcotic among native populations, it is dangerously poisonous for those who do not know how to prepare it correctly. Chiefly nocturnal, its delicate and other-worldly blooms can be captured at dawn and twilight near dry washes and riparian areas from April to October but most abundantly during monsoon season after heavy rains and floods. It is sometimes called Jimson weed, moonflower, an other obscure names given to it by native populations. Insects, especially moths, love this member of the nightshade family, and so do I! My precious encounters with this beautiful being took place in northwest Pinal County, about 40 miles south of Phoenix, Arizona. This particular photo was slightly enhanced to bring out its mysterious appeal after dark.
Uploaded
February 5th, 2019
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