Common Name:

General Information

Brunfelsia grandiflora is an evergreen shrub or a small tree with a much-branched crown; it can grow from 1 - 6 metres tall, occasionally reaching 10 metres. The short bole is up to 7cm in diameter[].
The plant is widely used throughout the western Amazon as both a medicine and narcotic. It is usually harvested from the wild, but the plant is sometimes cultivated for medicinal use in home gardens in Ecuador, and is commonly grown as an ornamental in tropical gardens[].

Known Hazards

The plant contains alkaloids and can be toxic for humans and grazing animals[].
The roots are used as a fish poison[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela.

Habitat

An understorey plant in dense, moist primary forest and the more open secondary growth formations; growing at elevations from 100 - 2,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a position with partial shade - when growing in full sun the foliage may scorch and drop[]. Prefers a loamy, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil[]. Many species in this genus grow wild in alkaline soils and, in non-alkaline soils, all members of the genus can benefit from the addition of some ground limestone[].
Plants respond well to coppicing[].
The plant flowers and fruits intermittantly throughout the year[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark, especially of the subspecies schultesii, is hallucinogenic and narcotic. It is scraped, mixed with cold water and the infusion drunk. The dose is said to be two mouthfuls, and this is said to also induce cold and tingling sensations in the extremities[]. The bark or roots are frequently added to preparations of ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi), a strong hallucinogen in itself, to produce sensations of chills or tingling in the extremities[].
As a medicine, the root is a commonly used remedy against rheumatism and arthritis, and is also used as a treatment for fevers[, ]. A cold water infusion of the root is taken as a treatment for rheumatism and arthritis, The bark is scraped, then placed in the water to soak. This is then taken in wineglassful doses. To increase the strength, the bark of other trees may be added, these can include Pithecellobium laetum, Heisteria pallida and Campsiandra laurifolia. The root can also be prepared with aguardiente (cane alcohol). About 50 grams of scraped root and bark are added to one litre of alcohol. A small glass is then drunk before meals until four litres have been consumed[].

The leaves are analgesic. They are used in the treatment of rheumatism, severe back pain, high fevers and bronchitis[].The remedy can cause a person to feel extremely chilled for a while after taking it but, in contrast to the root and bark, the leaves reputedly do not cause nausea[].

Other Uses

The wood from taller plants is used in traditional hut construction[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a short period of viability and does not tolerate dessication. Sown fresh, it germinates within 2 - 4 weeks[].
Layering[].

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