I know this has been discussed before, but can't find it in archives. I want to explain to a friend the difference between Brugs & Daturas, besides their obvious up/down flowers. Both are members of Solanaceae family, but someone decided to separate them to show the differences, and divided them into different species?
Thanks for your help.
Help, please
Hi Agapanthus!
Originally, both of the genera were classified as Datura. There were also a number of confusing common names.
In 1973, Tommy Lockwood compared the characteristics of these plants, which indicated that all the 'shrubby' plants should be listed as Brugmansia.
Brugmansia are woody, shrubby; Datura are more herbaceous.
Brugmansia are trees or bushes, and long-lived; Datura are large plants, and often annual, sometimes surviving from underground roots.
As you mentioned, flowers on Brugmansia are nodding or pendulous, but upright on Datura. (with some exceptions)
The seed pods of Brugmansia aree not spiny, and do not open when ripe; Datura fruit is mostly spiny, and often opens when ripe.
The seeds of Brugmansia usually have a corky coating, but Datura do not, in general.
Hope this helps.
John
Yep, sure does. Thanks so much.