Datura Pod (Panther Cave)
For years it was thought that this and licke pictographs in the lower pecos were prickly pear pouches but recent work and study by Dr. Carolyn Boyd has established that these represent Datura Pods. Datura is a herbaceous plant that grows in this area that produces a spiny fruit with spines in all directions. These seed pods are rather large and reniform in shape with a carnunculate surface. Datura is also referred to as jimsonweed, thorn apple, devils apple and Gabriel's trumpet. They produce strong alkaloids (belladona, atropine, hysacyamine and scopolamine) that can cause strong physiological effects including restlessness, delirium, hallucinations, fever, dry mucous membranes, short term memory loss, seizures and death. Many cultures have used this plant for medicinal and ceremonial purposes ie vision quests. This is only one of many shelters in Val Verde County that these pictographic structures appear.
© Emile Abbott
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Emile Abbott. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the express, written permission of the photographer.