Brunfelsia
Brunfelsia (lat. Brunfelsia) is a flowering plant that is the brightest representative of the richest Solanaceae family.
Description
Brunfelsia is a beautiful shrub or small tree, the height of which can reach two to three meters. Specimens reaching ten to twelve meters in height are also extremely rare. The plant boasts fairly strong, upright shoots and the ability to branch perfectly. The branches of brunfelsia are in most cases bare, 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 on 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 in nature, obovate-shaped leaves can be observed. The width of the leaflets usually ranges from 0. 1 to 0. 5 cm, and their length ranges from ten to thirty centimeters.
Brunfelsia inflorescences can be located both on the tips of the shoots and in the leaf axils, and their shape can be either semi-umbrella 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 brunfelsia petals may change over time; for example, initially blue or purple flowers may turn white over time, or vice versa. And the flowers bloom mainly at night, emitting a delightful aroma.
During the ripening process, brunfelsia produces ovoid or elongated berries that look like small tomatoes. These berries can be fragile or thin-walled, woody or fleshy — all this depends on the type of brunfelsia. As for the color of the berries, it ranges from red to yellow. The length of the berries reaches from one to five centimeters, and inside each of them contains a truly incredible number of seeds, characterized by either an ovoid or oblong shape.
Where does it grow
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, Indians still treat snake bites with the help of this plant.
Growing and care
Brunfelsia will grow best in leafy and humus soil combined with peat and sand in a ratio of 2:1:2:1. Universal earthen mixtures specially designed for beautifully flowering plants are also suitable for growing it.
This plant requires moderate lighting — it does not tolerate either a deficiency or an excess 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 the 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 volume unchanged. You should water blooming brunfelsia with extreme caution — under no circumstances should water get on the flowers!
As for the propagation 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).
