Brugmansia candida (angel's trumpet)

Pictures

Picture	Title	Caption	Copyright
Title Flowering habit Caption Brugmansia candida (angel's or devil's trumpets); flowering habit. USA, 2003. Copyright ©Linda Naeve-2003 – All Rights Reserved	Flowering habit	Brugmansia candida (angel's or devil's trumpets); flowering habit. USA, 2003.	©Linda Naeve-2003 – All Rights Reserved
Title Flowering habit Caption Brugmansia candida (angel's or devil's trumpets); flowering habit, showing characteristic large pendulous flowers. Roadside plant, Mangonui, North Island, New Zealand. March, 2008. Copyright Public Domain/via wikipedia - Released by J. Hayman, New Zealand.	Flowering habit	Brugmansia candida (angel's or devil's trumpets); flowering habit, showing characteristic large pendulous flowers. Roadside plant, Mangonui, North Island, New Zealand. March, 2008.	Public Domain/via wikipedia - Released by J. Hayman, New Zealand.
Title Flowering habit Caption Brugmansia candida (angel's or devil's trumpets); flowering habit, showing characteristic large pendulous flowers. Roadside plant, Mangonui, North Island, New Zealand. March, 2008. Copyright Public Domain/via wikipedia - Released by J. Hayman, New Zealand.	Flowering habit	Brugmansia candida (angel's or devil's trumpets); flowering habit, showing characteristic large pendulous flowers. Roadside plant, Mangonui, North Island, New Zealand. March, 2008.	Public Domain/via wikipedia - Released by J. Hayman, New Zealand.
Title Flowering habit Caption Brugmansia candida (angel's or devil's trumpets); flowering habit. île Royale, îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) off the coast of French Guiana (Amazonia). July, 2006. Copyright ©Arria Belli-2006/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0	Flowering habit	Brugmansia candida (angel's or devil's trumpets); flowering habit. île Royale, îles du Salut (Salvation Islands) off the coast of French Guiana (Amazonia). July, 2006.	©Arria Belli-2006/via wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0

Identity

Preferred Scientific Name

• Brugmansia candida Pers.

Preferred Common Name

• angel's trumpet

Other Scientific Names

• Brugmansia x candida Pers.
• Datura × candida (Pers.) Voigt
• Datura candida (Pers.) Saff.

International Common Names

• English: datura
• Spanish: borrachero; campana; floripondio; guanto; reina de la noche
• French: trompette blanche des anges

Local Common Names

• Cuba: campana; clarín
• Dominican Republic: campana de Paris
• Germany: Stechapfel, Weisser
• Hawaii: nanahonua
• Italy: stramonio candido
• Netherlands: doornappel
• Puerto Rico: cornucopia
• Saint Lucia: joy juice
• Samoa: logo; tagamimi

EPPO code

• DATCA (Brugmansia x candida)

Summary of Invasiveness

B. candida is a perennial shrub widely introduced as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical regions of the world that has escaped from cultivation to become invasive principally in waste places in and around settled areas (Webb et al., 1988; Gilman, 1999; Wagner et al., 1999; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). It is also a long persistent relic of cultivation in old gardens. It is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds where it listed as a naturalized weed in Australia, New Zealand, Central America, the West Indies, and on several islands in the Pacific Ocean (Randall, 2012). It is also listed as invasive in New Zealand, Hawaii and Cuba (Webb et al., 1988; Wagner et al., 1999; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). This species spreads by seeds, but also by cuttings and stem segments and it may persist as suckering clumps particularly in moist sites (Wagner et al., 1999).

Taxonomic Tree

• Domain: Eukaryota
•     Kingdom: Plantae
•         Phylum: Spermatophyta
•             Subphylum: Angiospermae
•                 Class: Dicotyledonae
•                     Order: Solanales
•                         Family: Solanaceae
•                             Genus: Brugmansia
•                                 Species: Brugmansia candida

Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The family Solanaceae includes about 102 genera and 2460 species (Stevens, 2012). Members of this family are characterized by solitary or clustered flowers with sepals and petals, five in number and fused; five stamens; and a superior ovary composed of two fused carpels. Flowers are usually conspicuous and are pollinated mainly by insects (Stevens, 2012).

The genus Brugmansia, named after Sebald Justin Brugmans (1763-1819), includes 11 species of shrubs and trees with showy flowers. The majority of the species within this genus were initially placed in the genus Datura L. and later separated (Lockwood, 1973). Brugmansia × candida is a hybrid between B. aurea and B. versicolor developed for horticultural proposes. This hybrid can now be found growing wild in nature, spreads without human assistance, and all parts of the plant are poisonous (Alvarez, 2008).

Description

Large shrubs or small trees, up to 4 m tall, often spreading clonally, all parts densely pubescent with simple, erect, crisped hairs. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate, to 15-25 cm long, 8-12 cm wide, entire, rarely with a few shallow lobes, apex acute to acuminate, base oblique, petioles up to 6 cm long. Flowers solitary, pendulous, pedicels 3-5 cm long, stout in fruit; calyx tubular, spathe-like, split on 1 side and the lobes not clearly separated, up to 12 cm long; corolla white or pale apricot, 25-30 cm long, tube slender, gradually flaring to the limb, lobe apices broadly triangular and terminated by cusps 2-3 cm long; stamens 5, inserted below middle of corolla tube; filaments 4-5 cm long; anthers distinct, linear, ca 2.5 cm long, opening longitudinally; ovary 2-celled; style 17-19 cm long; stigma oblong, 5-7 mm long, included in corolla throat. Fruit a capsule, rarely formed, fusiform, reportedly up to 20 cm long, 2 cm wide, pendulous, unarmed. Seeds (not seen) reportedly numerous, D-shaped, 6-10 mm long, seed coat corky (Wagner et al., 1999).

Plant Type

Distribution

B. candida is native to Ecuador and Peru (USDA-ARS, 2014). It is naturalized in Mexico, Central America, Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies and on several islands in the Pacific Ocean (see distribution table for details; Villaseñor and Espinosa-Garcia, 2004; Acevedo-Rodriguez and Strong, 2012; Madagascar Catalogue, 2014; PIER, 2014;USDA-ARS, 2014).

Distribution Table

The distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.

History of Introduction and Spread

B. candida was introduced for horticultural purposes, probably during the last part of the nineteenth century. In 1856 it was collected in Mexico and by the 1940s it appears in collections made in Colombia and El Salvador (Kew Herbarium Catalogue). 

Risk of Introduction

The risk of introduction of B. candida is high. This species and many cultivars are widely commercialized as ornamentals. In addition, because it spreads by seeds, cuttings and rhizome fragments, the potential to escape from cultivation and colonize new habitats is very high. 

Habitat

B. candida grows in warm and humid places in lowland rainforest, forest edges, disturbed habitats, riverbanks and urban open spaces. In New Zealand it can be found in lowland areas towards the coast (Webb et al., 1988). It may persist as suckering clumps particularly in moist sites in Hawaii (Wagner et al., 1999) and in moist uplands in the Galápagos Islands (McMullen, 1999).

Habitat List

Biology and Ecology

Reproductive Biology

Flowers of Brugmansia are perfect, solitary, pendulous, and very fragrant in the evenings to attract nocturnal moths which are its pollinator (Alvarez, 2008).          

Environmental Requirements

B. candida grows best on acidic to slightly alkaline sand, loam, and clay soil. This species has moderate drought tolerance and poor soil salt tolerance (Gilman, 1999). 

Climate

Rainfall

Soil Tolerances

Soil reaction

• acid
• neutral

Soil texture

• heavy
• light
• medium

Notes on Natural Enemies

The following caterpillar species (Lepidoptera) have been reported feeding on B. candida in Costa Rica (Janzen and Hallwachs, 2009):

• Olceclostera sp.
• Hypercompe icasia
• Hypercompe laeta
• Melese asana
• Pelochyta misera
• Pelochyta umbrata
• Iridopsis oberthuri
• Nematocampa completa
• Phyllodonta latrata
• Nisoniades godma

Means of Movement and Dispersal

B. candida spreads by seeds, cuttings and rhizome fragments. This species may form thickets where it roots from waste stem and rhizome fragments in and around settled areas (Webb et al., 1988; Gilman, 1999; Wagner et al., 1999; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). 

Pathway Causes

Pathway Vectors

Impact Summary

Economic Impact

All parts of B. candida are potentially toxic to humans and animals. It can be poisonous to farm animals when large amounts of seeds are present as a contaminant in fodder and forage (Roy et al., 1998; Feo, 2004; Alvarez, 2008). In humans, the ingestion of infusions of parts of the plant including leaves, flowers, seeds and nectar may cause delirium, convulsions, amnesia, and violent behaviour. The atropine found in this species is a stimulant that induces toxic psychosis (Feo, 2004; Alvarez, 2008). 

Environmental Impact

B. candida is one of the most frequent and striking plants in tropical regions, used as an ornamental and in hedges, and as fence posts. This species has repeatedly escaped from cultivation and has become invasive principally in disturbed areas near cultivation. It has the potential to grow forming thickets where it roots from waste plant segments. Currently, it is listed as invasive in Hawaii, Chile, Galapagos Islands, New Zealand, and Cuba where it is invading riverine areas, open grounds, forest edges and disturbed forests (Webb et al., 1988; Wagner et al., 1999; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; PIER, 2014). 

Risk and Impact Factors

Impact mechanisms

• Causes allergic responses
• Competition - monopolizing resources
• Induces hypersensitivity
• Poisoning
• Rooting

Impact outcomes

• Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
• Modification of successional patterns
• Monoculture formation
• Negatively impacts human health
• Reduced native biodiversity
• Threat to/ loss of native species

Invasiveness

• Benefits from human association (i.e. it is a human commensal)
• Highly adaptable to different environments
• Long lived
• Pioneering in disturbed areas
• Proved invasive outside its native range
• Reproduces asexually
• Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc

Likelihood of entry/control

• Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately

Uses

B. candida is often planted as ornamental and hedge plant. Alkaloids such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine, found in members of the Solanaceae, including Brugmansia, have proven medical value for their spasmolytic, anti-asthmatic, anticholinergic, narcotic and anesthetic properties, although many of these alkaloids, or their equivalents, are now artificially synthesized (Giulietti et al., 1993; Pitta–Alvarez, 2000; Niño et al., 2003; Cardillo et al., 2010). In South America, within the native distribution range, Brugmansia have been used traditionally by indigenous cultures in medical preparations (Feo, 2004; Alvarez, 2008). This species is used as analgesic against traumatic or rheumatic pains as well as for the treatment of dermatitis, orchitis, arthritis, headaches, infections, and as an anti-inflammatory. The tincture is also used to relieve headaches by absorption through the nasal mucous and simultaneously rubbing the head and limbs with the same preparation (Feo, 2004; Kvist and Moraes, 2006; Alvarez, 2008; Armijos et al., 2014). Several South American cultures have also used Brugmansia in religious or spiritual ceremonies (Feo, 2004; Kvist and Moraes, 2006; Armijos et al., 2014). 

Uses List

Drugs, stimulants, social uses

• Masticatory
• Narcotic
• Religious

Environmental

• Agroforestry
• Amenity

Medicinal, pharmaceutical

• Traditional/folklore

Ornamental

• Propagation material

References

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Alvarez LM, 2008. [English title not available]. (Borrachero, Cacao Sabanero o Floripondio (Brugmansia spp.) Un Grupo de Plantas por Redescubrir en la Biodiversidad Latinoamericana.) Cultura y Droga, 13(15):77-93. http://200.21.104.25/culturaydroga/downloads/culturaydroga13%2815%29_6.pdf

Armijos C, Cota I, González S, 2014. Traditional medicine applied by the Saraguro yachakkuna: a preliminary approach to the use of sacred and psychoactive plant species in the southern region of Ecuador. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 10(26):(24 February 2014). http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/pdf/1746-4269-10-26.pdf

Cardillo AB, Otálvaro AÁM, Busto VD, Rodríguez Talou J, Velásquez LME, Giulietti AM, 2010. Scopolamine, anisodamine and hyoscyamine production by Brugmansia candida hairy root cultures in bioreactors. Process Biochemistry, 45(9):1577-1581. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13595113

Charles Darwin Foundation, 2008. Database inventory of introduced plant species in the rural and urban zones of Galapagos. Galapagos, Ecuador: Charles Darwin Foundation.

Chavarría F, Espinoza R, Guadamuz A, Perez D, Masís A, 2000. Species Page de Brugmansia candida (Solanaceae), Species Home Pages, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica ([English title not available]). http://www.acguanacaste.ac.cr

Feo Vde, 2004. The ritual use of Brugmansia species in traditional Andean medicine in Northern Peru. Economic Botany, 58(1(Supplement 1)):S221-S229. http://rd.springer.com/article/10.1663/0013-0001%282004%2958%5BS221%3ATRUOBS%5D2.0.CO%3B2

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Contributors

25/11/14 Original text by:

Julissa Rojas-Sandoval, Department of Botany-Smithsonian NMNH, Washington DC, USA

Pedro Acevedo-Rodríguez, Department of Botany-Smithsonian NMNH, Washington DC, USA

Distribution Maps

• = Present, no further details
• = Evidence of pathogen
• = Widespread
• = Last reported
• = Localised
• = Presence unconfirmed
• = Confined and subject to quarantine
• = See regional map for distribution within the country
• = Occasional or few reports

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