Species

Brugmansia sanguinea

Etymology

Brugmansia: Named after Sebald Justin Brugmans (24 March 1763 – 22 July 1819) who was an early 18th century professor of natural history at the University of Leydon. He was also a military physician and instrumental in establishing emergency hospital facilities and improvement of hospital and barrack conditions.

Family

Solanaceae

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Trees & Shrubs

Habitat

Usually found as a garden escape in or around old de-relict houses, and woolsheds. Often found in the vicinity of garden refuse dumps.

Features

Hairy shrub up to about 3 m. Large shallowly lobed leaves to 25 x 18 cm, usually smaller on flowering shoots. Large trumpet-like yellow flowers often tinged red. Capsule to about 9 cm long containing seeds

Similar Taxa

Brugmansia species are often confused with Datura species (due to the common name) however, Brugmansia species are soft-wooded shrubs or small trees, while Datura species are herbaceous. B. sanguinea can be separated from the other Brugmansia species in New Zealand by the yellow flowers which are often tinged red.

Flowering

Throughout the year

Flower Colours

Red / Pink,Yellow

Fruiting

Throughout the year

Year Naturalised

1981

Origin

N. Andes

Reason For Introduction
Ornamental

Life Cycle Comments
Long lived shrub or small tree

Reproduction
Mostly spreads asexually by detachment of stems and layering. However, on the Chatham Islands some stands are derived from frequent fruiting

Seed
Most New Zealand plants rarely (if ever) set seed. However, at least one Chatham population has been found setting viable seed

Dispersal
Garden waste and as a garden escape. Often found established in the vicinity of old plantings.

This page last updated on 18 Jan 2010