2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Brunfelsia - a flowering plant, which is the brightest representative of the richest Solanaceae family.
Description
Brunfelsia is a beautiful shrub or small trees, the height of which can reach two to three meters. Specimens reaching ten to twelve meters in height are extremely rare. The plant boasts quite strong upright shoots and the ability to branch excellently. Brunfelsia's branches are in most cases naked, but young shoots and buds with leaves can sometimes be pubescent.
The leaves on the branches are arranged alternately, noticeably thickening closer to the very tops of the shoots. All of them have a rather rich green color, a leathery surface and sharp points at the tops that are clearly visible to the eye. And the shape of these leaves can vary from elliptical to lanceolate, moreover, in some cases, obovate leaves can be observed in nature. The width of the leaves usually ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 cm, and their length ranges from ten to thirty centimeters.
Brunfelsia inflorescences can be located both at the tips of the shoots and in the leaf axils, and their shape can be either semi-umbellate or corymbose. As for the flowers, they are practically sessile and have funnel-shaped outlines, and their diameter varies from two and a half to five centimeters. It is noteworthy that the color of the brunfelsia petals may change over time, for example, initially blue or purple flowers may turn white over time, or vice versa. And flowers bloom mainly at night, exuding a delicious aroma.
In the process of ripening, ovoid or elongated berries appear on brunfelsia, which outwardly resemble small tomatoes. These berries can be fragile or thin-walled, woody or fleshy - it all depends on the type of brunfelsia. As for the color of the berries, it ranges from red to yellow. The berries range in length from one to five centimeters, and each of them contains a truly incredible amount of seeds, characterized by either an ovoid or an oblong shape.
Where grows
Despite the fact that Brazil is considered to be the birthplace of Brunfelsia, it can most often be found in the South American subtropics.
Usage
Brunfelsia can be used both as an ornamental crop and as a medicinal plant, for example, the Indians to this day treat snake bites with this plant.
Growing and caring
Brunfelsia will grow best in leafy and humus soil, combined with peat and sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 2: 1. Suitable for its cultivation and specially designed for flowering plants, universal earth mixtures.
This plant needs moderate lighting - it does not tolerate either a deficit or an overabundance of light. In summer, brunfelsia must be shaded from direct sunlight. Also, this green beauty is very thermophilic, that is, the temperature in the room where it is grown should not fall below fifteen to seventeen degrees.
During an active growing season, the plant needs moderate watering (both in volume and frequency), and closer to winter, their frequency is noticeably reduced, leaving only the volumes unchanged. Blooming brunfelsia should be watered with extreme caution - under no circumstances should water get on the flowers!
As for the reproduction of brunfelsia, it usually occurs either by semi-lignified cuttings or by seeds (in this case, cuttings are most often carried out with the onset of June).
