Brugmansia suaveolens
Common names
night bells
Biostatus
Exotic
Conservation status
Not applicable
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Flower colours
White
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.
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Detailed taxonomy
Genus
Family
Endemic family
No
Ecology
Flowering
October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. June, July
Year naturalised
1977
Origin
N. Andes
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Life cycle and dispersal
Reproduction mechanism in New Zealand uncertain perhaps vegetative or seed. Dispersed by humans and machinery.
Other information
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.