Angel Trumpet ID

[MWP admin]

I would like to identify this plant for a japanese tourist/friend who snapshot this photo in Malta.

In my opinion, originally this plant is a garden ornamental but I have seen it as an escape in some places by now. (Eg zabbar/m'scala near the traffic lights, 50m towards M'scala (left side).



Thank you

[IL-PINE]

I believe that this plant is Solandra grandiflora. However, I have not found much information about this species.

[Ke!tH]

Yes, I agree with IL-PINE.
I have also seen it growing extensivly next to the old Danish Village Hotel (near the Red Tower- Mellieha) as an undergrowth under the trees.
It also occured at Wied is- Sewda some years ago, which seemed to grow wildly, but it was then destroyed by fire if I'm not mistaken.
It surely is a garden escape.

[Hitoshi]

Dear IL-PINE and Keith,
Thank you for your information on Solandra grandiflora. I took the photo at the gate of GGANTIJA TEMPLE, Gozo Island. I now found that the flowers of S.longiflora and S. maxima are resp. used for stamps of Bermuda and Itutaki.
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/plant/stamps/sta ... naceae.htm
Regards,
Hitoshi Sakai