Brugmansia ×candida
Poisonous plant
Common names
angel’s trumpet
Biostatus
Exotic
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Flower colours
White
Detailed description
Soft-wooded shrub, 3m high. Leaves 8-20 x 3-25 cm, plant is covered in very fine hairs. White, pendant, trumpet-like flowers 20-30 cm long. Fruit is occasionally produced.
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. candida is very similar to B. suaveolens but can be separated by the persistently hairy leaves. B. sanguinea is also similar but has yellow flowers which are often tinged red.
Habitat
A frost-tender plant mainly found in lowland areas towards the coast (Landcare Research 1999).
Conservation status
Not applicable
Detailed taxonomy
Family
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Brugmansia candida Pers.
Ecology
Year naturalised
1958
Origin
Probably Peru and Columbia
Life cycle and dispersal
Believed to be mostly spread by cuttings so seed set is rare. Spread by humans and birds.
Other information
Poisonous plant
All parts of this plant are poisonous.
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.
candida: White