Common Name: Trumpet Flower

General Information

Trumpet flower is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that can reach a height of 5 - 8 metres[].
The plant is often grown as an ornamental by virtue of its many yellow trumpet-shaped, scented flowers, it is also sometimes cultivated for its medicinal virtues, as a hedge and to provide shade[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina north to the Caribbean and through Central America to southern N. America.

Habitat

Prefers dry and disturbed areas such as roadsides but it can also be found in relatively undisturbed forests[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Humming birds, Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier areas in the tropics and subtropics, it can be found at elevations from sea level to around 2,000 metres[]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 15 - 25°c, but can tolerate 10 - 35°c[]. The plant is intolerant of frost[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 500 - 700mm, but tolerates 400 - 800mm[]. Trees can perform well in areas of less than the recommended rainfall but need to be irrigated; they can also grow at higher altitudes than recommended, but is then said to be slow in flowering[].
Requires a sunny position[]. Prefers clay loams, but tolerates most types of fertile, well-drained soils and is particularly tolerant of alkaline conditions[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 8.5, tolerating 5.5 - 9[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The plant has escaped from cultivation and become naturalised in some areas[]. It is capable of forming dense thickets and crowding out native species[].
Plants can flower all year round[]. The flower buds pop when squeezed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A leaf infusion can be taken orally for treating diabetes and stomach pains[].
A strong leaf and root decoction is taken orally as a diuretic, to treat syphilis or for intestinal worms[].

The flowers are diuretic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Trees can be planted as a live hedge[].

Other Uses

The light brown wood is hard and very durable[, ]. It is used in cabinet making, turnery, to make tools, and in the construction of buildings[, , ].
Trees provide firewood and charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - does not require pre-treatment[]. The seed, which germinates easily, can be sown in nursery beds or in containers[]. Seedlings require 3 - 4 months in the nursery, after which they can be directly planted out[].
Seed storage behaviour is orthodox, and seeds can be stored for long periods under ideal conditions[].
Regeneration by cuttings is also possible[].

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