Species

Brugmansia suaveolens

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.

Common Name(s)

night bells

Family

Solanaceae

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Trees & Shrubs

Habitat

Terrestrial.

Features

Soft woody perennial shrub up to 3 m tall. The leaves are large (25 x 12 cm) and papery. Large white trumpet-shaped flowers are produced throughout most of the year, these are very fragrant at night. Fruiting has not been noted.

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. suaveolens is very similar to B. candida but can be separated by the leaves becoming hairless. B. sanguinea is also similar but has yellow flowers which are often tinged red.

Flowering

October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. June, July

Flower Colours

White

Year Naturalised

1977

Origin

N. Andes

Reason For Introduction
Ornamental

Reproduction
Uncertain, vegetative spread or seed.

Dispersal
People, machinery.

This page last updated on 18 Jan 2010