Sylvia's garden find - it's a right little devil

Sylvia Fry, of Stocks Meadow, had been keeping an eye on the unknown specimen which appeared on her lawn to see what it would develop into.

But after watching a programme on BBC1 she realised it was thorn apple '“ or Devil's Snare (datura stramonium).

Mrs Fry said: "I had bought a packet of seeds in the spring and we were waiting to see what would grow.

"I've been told not to touch it. I don't know how to dispose of it.

"I was told one sniff and it could give you hallucinations.

"I've got granchildren, so I'm a bit frightened to be honest."

Devil's Snare is a South American plant, and was traditionally used by Amazonian indians to poison the tips of their hunting spears.

It is a member of the deadly nightshade variety which can grow up to 12ft high.

The plant's poison can cause blurred vision, hallucinations, heart irregularities and, in severe cases, coma or even death.

When she realised what her strange plant was, Mrs Fry contacted Wealden District Council who "didn't want to know", the Royal Horticultural Society and DEFRA.

John Gallop, head of environmental protection at Wealden District Council, said: "Responsibility for noxious weeds lies with DEFRA.

"We did have a telephone call from an unidentified caller who asked if the council could remove a poisonous plant from her garden.

"She was advised that DEFRA was the responsible body and was given its telephone contact details to enable her to make contact with them."

A spokesperson from DEFRA said the organisation is advising gardeners to follow advice given by the Royal Horticultural Society in disposing of the plant, which appears to grow in UK gardens though contamination of bird seed.

The Royal Horticultural Society advises the following:

l Chemical Control

Contact herbicides such as diquat (Weedol Gun!), fatty acids (Advanced 3 Hour Weedkiller), pelargonic acid (Weedol Max) or glufosinate ammonium (e.g. FITO Garden Weedkiller, Knockdown Weedkiller Concentrate) should easily control this weed. Systemic herbicides such as glyphosate (RoundUp or Tumbleweed) will also be effective and are the material of choice where mature plants are to be eliminated. These herbicides are non-selective and so care should be taken whilst spraying near other plants. Plants to be avoided can be covered with a bucket/flowerpot or screened with plastic whilst spraying occurs.

l Cultural Control

Dig, pull or hoe out plants before seed is set. Seedlings and plants that have not set seed can be added to the compost heap where the toxins will naturally break down. However, plants that have set seed should be binned or burnt in order that the seed does not disperse in the garden or persist in the compost heap.

Always wear gloves or thoroughly wash hands after handling this plant.