http://www.erowid.org/plants/show_image.php3?image=datura/datura_metel2.jpg
Tonny-this is the only pic I could find-I thought there was a better one.
Purple on purple Datura
The Dat seeds I originally bought came from JL Hudson except a "black" Dat that I bought elsewhere. None of them ever germinated so I don't know what the "black" looks like. Maybe the all purple double is only a myth.
Several metels are called black. Sometimes the word are used about the stems other times of the skirts. I have seen double purple/white inside, single purple/white inside called black also. I have found a link to one closer to what I understand of a black metel, but the picture is darkened and of poor quality.
http://www.b-and-t-world-seeds.com/Datura.htm
Tonny-I have seen those. Thanks for your trouble and the info.
Have any of you seen the black metel with no white in the corolla at all? The color is simply dark purple on dark purple on both sides of the corolla. I have seen one in person, but only one.
That is what I am talking about, do you know where seeds can be gotten?
Nefer,
I honestly don't know where seeds can be gotten for that one as I don't collect Datura-just thought I would through that out for those of you who do. Native Habitat was the one with that particular Datura that I saw, but if memory serves me they got the seeds from Germany. I don't think they ever offered that one either.
That's my 'unicorn'! A single-flowered, all purple, dark purple datura! I call it my unicorn since it seems to be a mythical beast. I have seen one pic, which I can't seem to find again. If anyone does come across seeds for this, you can name your price!
MsBatt-I want the double all purple, but I think I would almost settle for a single. Native Habitant is the co I e-mailed, but they said they used to have it, but "lost" it what ever that means. They want it back too. Maybe it is a Unicorn or fairy gold, or whatever. Brugmansia, have you ever seen the Brug "Marrakech"? I can't find a picture of it, but the description intrigues me.
Msbatt, I can assure you it does exist. I have seen it in person. I just don't collect Datura-if I had known so many would be interested in it I would most certainly have asked for a cutting or some seeds at the time.
Brugcrazy-You are probably right, it may be weird. I don't remember its' parentage, if it was given, but if it has any of the cool loving Brugs like Sanguinea it probably would croak right off in our summers. Do you know of one that is a dark orange? That is what I really want.
According to newer Datura taxonomy both single and double forms exist of both the reddish and the more bluish purple metel with both sides colored. The closest I get it black currant swirl, but its not entirely purple inside only mottled. I am interested too, if one of you by accident cross their way. I am a little in doubt in regard to what I can call the mottled inside ones, because they are in between the official named species.
Brugcrazy-I am looking for something that is closer to a burnt orange, well, just bright, not apricot. I don't care much for pink or white flowers. I have looked at the Hodniks and the German sites but I don't speak either language, unfortunately.
Tonny- I may have some Raspberry swirl seeds coming later, at least I hope so. I have your on-line book on bookmark and have read it many times. Thanks for the info.
Nefer: You'd probably love Herrenhauser Garten, it's quite bright orange and double. Probably have to wait for cuttings until Spring as most peoples are too small, or at least mine is. There's lots of orange ones that aren't apricot. Go to the LBJ site and browse or to Native Habitat. I'm sure you'll see lots you like, then ask if anyone has any. It's Xmas, you might get lucky.