Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files include emails in which he inquired about “trumpet plants at nursery”, prompting renewed scrutiny over his interests and associations.

The emails were disclosed as part of the latest batch of records released by the Department of Justice. In one uncovered message, Epstein asks about his “trumpet plants at nursery”.

Angel’s Trumpet plants are highly toxic and contain scopolamine, a substance known for its powerful psychoactive effects. Scopolamine has been reported to impair memory and decision-making, and in severe cases may cause paralysis or death. It has also been widely claimed that the drug does not reliably appear on standard toxicology reports.

In a separate email contained in the same document release, Epstein was sent an article detailing the effects of scopolamine and the plant from which it is derived, raising further questions about his awareness of its properties.

Epstein died in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. The files have been released in stages following a vote by lawmakers requiring the administration of President Donald Trump to make the documents public. The most recent tranche was published last month, with the Department of Justice stating that no further releases are expected.

The files reference numerous prominent figures across entertainment, business, science and academia described as friends or associates. Donald Trump has not been accused of any crime in relation to Epstein.

Last week, Ghislaine Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment during a deposition before the House Oversight Committee, declining to answer questions concerning Trump’s association with Epstein.

The latest disclosures are likely to intensify ongoing political and legal debate surrounding the full scope of the Epstein investigation and its connections.