Brugmansia or Datura?

 

We like to call these our Brug snobs.  When I 

asked this question most folks will state that 

they are Datura due to their upward bud.  

This cross was done when I was playing with 

both Brugmansia and Datura pollens.  I have three

of these plants that was a Brugmansia X Datura

and according to the data can be done either way.

I used Tissue Culture plants at the time so I knew

that they were better quality of plants than the 

common plants.  When crossing Datura with a 

brugmansia it's best to take the Anthers away before

they open.  As a datura will self pollenate as the 

flower drops.  Open gently pollenate the stigma and 

close back up.  I have also found that the flowers

do not open and bees do not have an interest if the 

anthers are removed.

When doing the Brugmansia X Datura cross, I also

remove the Anthers and make sure the pollen doesn't

touch the stigma.  Cover the stigma and close up the 

Corolla tube.

If you can get a copy of the 1940s crosses made you

will see that the mother of the cross is denominate.  So 

if you cross a Brugmansia X Datura, your plant will 

be more like a Brugmansia not a Datura and vice versa.

You will see signs of the pollen cross.

For those naysayers out there, try the cross before you

judge others.