Brugmansia suaveolens
Common name
night bells
Family
Solanaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Detailed description
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
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.
Reason For Introduction
Ornamental
Reproduction
Uncertain, vegetative spread or seed.
Dispersal
People, machinery.