KEEN gardeners, Gordon and Marjorie Rudd, were in for a shock when they discovered a potentially deadly plant growing among their runner beans.

The datura stramonium or thorn apple has become known as devil’s snare. It is used to poison the tips of arrows by Amazonian tribes and is believed to be more dangerous than deadly nightshade.

Touching the leaves can cause a nasty reaction, and its poison can lead to heart irregularities, hallucinations and eventually coma or death in the most severe cases.

It is normally found in much warmer climates, but Colonel Rudd discovered it growing in his garden in Figheldean.

“I have no idea how it got here,” he said.

“I don’t know whether its seed was mixed in with the runner bean seeds or the compost, or if it was airborne.

“It was only because I’d read an article about it in the paper I knew what it was.”

Devil’s snare can grow up to a metre high and produces large spiny seedpods which look a bit like unopened conkers.

However, the seeds are the most dangerous part of the plant, are highly poisonous and have hallucinogenic properties.

“I’m quite worried children might find these and pick them thinking they are conkers,” said Colonel Rudd.

“Our granddaughter comes round and loves picking beans – so people need to be aware of the dangers of this plant.”

Although devil’s snare is quite often found on waste ground in Britain, there have been a number of recent cases of the plants appearing in gardens.

“I’ve heard of cases in Wells and Kent, so it seems to be |

popping up everywhere,” said Colonel Rudd.

“Our plant is only about nine inches tall, but I’m glad we found it when we did so now we can get rid of it safely.”

The Royal Horticultural Society says it has had a deluge of calls about devil’s snare, and says gardeners should take precautions when dealing with the plant.

Herbicides can be used to destroy the weed, or the plant can be dug up and disposed of with other garden waste, or burned.