Research directed by C. Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service

Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Brugmansia x candida (= B. aurea x B. versicolor, syn. Datura candida, D. arborea ); angel's trumpet, moon flower

Answer

1.01

synonyms: Crescentia pinnata Jacq.; Kigelia pinnata (Jacq.) DC.

y=-3, n=0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=-1, n=-1

y

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

n

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

n

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2

?=-1, n=0

y

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

y

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

y

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

y

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

y

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

4.1

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

y

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

n

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

y

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

n

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

1

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

n

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

n

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

y

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

2

Notes

Source

1.01

Brugmansias have been selected, hybridized, and planted out in the wild by Central and South American Indians for hundreds of years, and "species" as we know them may not exist anymore.

http://montereybaynsy.com/B.htm

1.02

cult. & naturalized elsewhere in tropics

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?8004 (22 July 2003)

1.03

no evidence

2.01

Distributional range:
Native:  Southern America: Ecuador; Peru [possibly native]

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?8004 (22 July 2003)

2.02

2.03

(1)Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 - In St. Louis, growing options include: (1) grow in large containers or tubs which must be overwintered indoors in bright, sunny locations or in greenhouses [does not grow naturally in zone 8] (2)perform best with regular irrigation in dry weather. [requires significant water] (3)USDA: 10-12, Frost Tolerance: Keep above 32 °F (0°C) [narrow tolerance] (4)Sheltered places150-1200 m elevation

(1)http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/kemperweb/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A492 (2)http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/BRUSPPA.PDF (3)http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Solanaceae/Brugmansia_sp.html (4)Adams, C.D. Flowering plants of Jamaica. University of the West Indies, Mona.

2.04

Distributional range:
Native: Southern America: Ecuador; Peru [possibly native]

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?8004 (22 July 2003)

2.05

(1) Hawaii, Puerto Rico, (2) Cuba (3)South Africa

(1) USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
AU: Fuentes Fiallo, V. (1990) Solanaceae of Cuba VI. Brugmansia Persoon. [FT: Solanaceas de Cuba VI. Brugmansia Persoon.] Revista del Jardín Botánico Nacional, 1990, Vol.11, No.2-3, pp.113-114, 21 ref. (3) http://www.parks-sa.co.za/conservation/scientific_services/Biota/villageplantspolicy.htm

3.01

cult. & naturalized elsewhere in tropics

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?8004 (22 July 2003)

3.02

no evidence

3.03

no evidence

3.04

(1) on the invasive woody plants species lis [no location or evidence is given]
(2) on the list of species suggested to be eradicated [3rd priority = last priority; found in villiage, not clear if it is even naturalized] (3)Potential invader of riparian zones [NZ] (4)In NZ "persistent relic of cultivation in old gardens, waste places in and round settled areas [no evidence that it invades natural areas] (5)NOT listed as an ecological weed of New Zealand

(1) http://members.lycos.co.uk/WoodyPlantEcology/invasive/invasive.htm
(2) http://www.parks-sa.co.za/conservation/scientific_services/Biota/villageplantspolicy.htm (3)http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/library/y10634_2.pdf (4)Webb et al. 1988. Flora of New Zealand Volume IV. Botany Division DSIR, Christchurch (5)Owen, S.J.1997. Ecological Weeds on conservation land in New Zealand. Department of Conservation, Wellington.

3.05

no evidence

4.01

no descrition of these traits

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. P.93

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

"Both Brugmansia and Datura have a really foul taste---it's a rare mammal indeed who willingly takes a second bite, so an accidental poisoning is rare. (Cattle get stoned on so-called 'loco weed' not because they like the taste, but because it grows among their chosen food plants and they don't have hands to pick it out with."

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/brug/2002112057026136.html

4.05

Vertebrate poisons: mammals [Southern Med. J. 89:365-369. 1996]

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?8004 (22 July 2003)

4.06

(1) AB: The fungus was recorded on Datura candida in Cuba, on which it caused leaf damage, as also on weeds and ornamentals. Information from Cuba and abroad is reviewed.
(2) AB: Datura candida plants were sprayed at 6-day intervals from October 1977 to October 1978 with maneb, zineb or Antracol [propineb] at 1 kg/100 gal water. Antracol and maneb were more effective than zineb, particularly in August when A. crassa was most prevalent. Fungicide application did not affect alkaloid production and fungicide residues in the leaves (1.84-2.82 p.p.m.) were below permitted levels.
[Alternaria is a specialist pathogen on Datura and Brugmansia spp. Some species of Datura were grown for their alkloids or as oramental but these are of minor economic importance]

(1) Fornet H., E. (1981) Morphology, taxonomy and distribution of Alternaria crassa. [FT: Morfologia, taxonomia y distribucion de Alternaria crassa.] Agrotecnia de Cuba, 1981, Vol.13, No.2, pp.81-89, 29 ref.
(2) Fornet, E.; Sablon, C. (1981) Control of Alternaria crassa. [FT: Control de Alternaria crassa.] Agrotecnia de Cuba, 1981, Vol.13, No.2, pp.91-97, 15 ref.

4.07

(1) "The whole plant is poisonous because it contains a potent nacrotic, scopolamine, which in minute quantities is used in skin patches to control motion sickness but can be fatal if ingested"
(2) AB: Three case reports of toxicity induced by the ingestion of seeds, flowers or leaves of Datura candida (syn. Brugmansia candida ) are presented.

(1) Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. P.93
(2) Greene, G. S.; Patterson, S. G.; Warner, E. (1996) Ingestion of angel's trumpet: an increasingly common source of toxicity. Southern Medical Journal, 1996, Vol.89, No.4, pp.365-369, 17 ref.

4.08

Habit: Broadleaf evergreen

http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/kemperweb/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A492

4.09

(1) Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade, (2) full sun (3) It can do quite well in a shady location as well as in direct sun. 

(1) http://brugmansias.com/go/2099/ (2) http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/kemperweb/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A492 (3)http://www.californiagardens.com/Plant_Pages/BrugmansiaXcandida.htm

4.1

(1) organically rich, medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun (2)Fertile, well drained, and moist soils (3)Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay;

(1) http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/kemperweb/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A492 (2)http://www.gjohnmcconomy.com/plants/profiles/brugmansiagenus.html (3)http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/BRUSPPA.PDF

4.11

shrub to 1.8m high

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. P.93

4.12

no evidence

5.01

terrestrial

5.02

shrub; Solanaceae

5.03

no evidence

5.04

shrub

6.01

no evidence

6.02

(1)Propagation Methods:
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From hardwood cuttings
From hardwood heel cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
By air layering (2)some species and hybrids have sterile seeds which wont germinate 

(1)http://brugmansias.com/go/31562/ (2)http://pss.uvm.edu/pss123/tpbrug.htm

6.03

It is a hybrid in origin, but no evidence of natural hybridization to other species (1)'This angel’s trumpet hybrid (B. aurea x B. versicolor) is a tropical shrub or tree that, in the St. Louis area, typically matures to 5-10’ tall and features huge, nodding, trumpet-shaped flowers (to 12” long) from mid-summer to fall.' (2)Brugmansia x candida is a naturally occurring hybrid of two Ecuadorian species, B. aurea x B. versicolor. B. x candida 'Double White' has proven to be an exceptional grower for us...'

(1(http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/kemperweb/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A492 (2)http://www.plantdelights.com/Catalog/Current/Detail/05157.html

6.04

(1)"Most species of brugmansia are self sterile, i.e. pollen from the same plant/variety will not result in a viable seed. One must use pollen from a different variety." (2)may self-seed each year [refers to self-regeneration rather than pollination] (3) One of the first things you should know is that your seed will not be exactly like any other brugmansia plant. If you are expecting it to look like the plant the seed pod was on, it probably won't. [seeds are oucrossed]

(1)http://mysite.freeserve.com/Brugmansia101/page3.html (2)http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/BRUSPPA.PDF (3)http://www.brugmansias.org/seeds.html

6.05

"This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds; Flowers are fragrant" [specialized morphology - bees and butterflies cannot transfer pollen] (2)'Pollination and seed dispersal: Angel trumpet has an interesting flower angled downwards which only allows certain pollinators to enter. In this case, bats are the pollinating visitor. Carefully smell the scented flowers. Their light color and aroma makes it easier for bats to find them at night. ' (3)Little in evolutionary biology is as simple as it originally seems. Although the standard syndrome of hawkmoth flowers is easy to diagnose, actually only about half of the genera pollinated by Sphingidae, and only a third of the known species, have narrow tubes. Two other designs exist: trumpet and brush. The trumpet form has white flowers with the same sweet fragrance and deeply placed nectar, but the throat is much wider and spreading. Examples would be daturas (Datura), the various species of Devil's trumpets and angel's trumpets (Brugmansia and So

http://plantsdatabase.com/go/31562/ (2)http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:wxLLDTAKl5AJ:www.uwyo.edu/
vegecology/Tropical_Lab.doc+angels+trumpet+seed+dispersal&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 (3)http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/MEMBGNewsletter/Volume4number2/
Theplantsthatlovehawkmoths.html (4)http://www.passionflow.co.uk/hummers.htm

6.06

no evidence

6.07

(1) In the first year, plants will typically grow to 3 feet tall with minimal flowering. In the second year, plants will grow taller with more profuse flowering. (2)It normally takes a seed grown Brugmansia 4 months - 2 years to flower for the first time.

(1)http://ridgwaydb.mobot.org/kemperweb/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A492 (2)http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:OX-rYNM2IdkJ:www.americanbrugmansia-daturasociety.org/brugmansia_seeds.htm

7.01

no evidence

7.02

an ornamental

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. P.93

7.03

no evidence

7.04

p.20 [No wind dispersal syndrome was found based on the drawing of the fruit and seeds]

QK1 .C373

7.05

(1)Potential invader or riverbanks (2)seeds surrounded by corky material

(1)http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/library/y10634_2.pdf (2)http://www.brugmansias.org/seeds.html

7.06

(1)Fruit cover: fleshy (2)Fruit center is dry and corky material surrounds seeds [not bird dispersal syndrome - possibly water or dehiscent gravity]

(1)http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/BRUSPPA.PDF (2)http://www.brugmansias.org/seeds.html

7.07

(1) 'Datura's [brugmansia] particular habitat presumes a close contact with humans from the start, and some have speculated that the plant's success is entirely dependent on dispersal by man.' (2)Brugmansias have been selected, hybridized, and planted out in the wild by Central and South American Indians for hundreds of years, and "species" as we know them may not exist anymore.

(1)http://www.tripzine.com/features.asp?id=datura (2)http://montereybaynsy.com/B.htm

7.08

Don't know if it is consumed

8.01

p.19 "Fruit 10-13 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. Over 50 seeds per pod." [probably not, need about 20 relatively large pods per square meter]

QK1 .C373

8.02

(2) "Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible"

http://brugmansias.com/go/2099/

8.03

no evidence

8.04

(1)These may need to be pruned back in the fall before being brought inside due to size, Prune untidy or lanky stems in the spring. (2) Transplanted plants, however, must be dug, cut back and brought inside each fall. [tolerates traumatic transplanting] (3)Since your brugmansia has withered after the frost you can cut it back to ground level and mulch it to give some winter protection. [survives cutting to ground level]

(1)http://pss.uvm.edu/pss123/tpbrug.htm (2)http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu/plants.cfm (3)http://www.am1340.com/Pages/gardening.html

8.05

very sensitive to one or more pests or diseases