Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Violet Churcu. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

Description

Bushy growing habit to 8-12ft. Foliage has a "tropical" look and the plant is evergreen is suitable climates. Flowering occurs year-round, with more intense blooms produced during spring and fall. There are a few known varieties, of which the most common is the 'Wine' Iochroma, which has flowered colored the same as red wine.

Hardiness

Hardy to the mid 20's. May defoliate somewhat in frost or light freezing temperatures. Should be protected from hard or prolonged freezes.

Growing Environment

Flourishes in subtropical and mild-temperate climates with minimal frost. In milder climates it does nicely in full sun, but in warmer or heat-prone climates (where the temperature regularly tops 85-90F) it should be grown in shade. In warmer climates it tends to flower more during colder months. Provide consistent water throughout the year, though it does not tolerate flooding. Easy for container culture and can be brought indoors for winter.

Propagation

Usually by seeds. Germination often occurs quickly but seeds can go dormant and occasionally need several weeks to a couple of months to overcome dormancy.

Uses

Almost exclusively grown as an ornamental. The plant has some historical uses by local medicine men in its native range as the plant contains a number of alkaloids and hallucinogens much like its relatives the Brugmansia's and the Datura's. It should also be noted that the all parts of the plant are likely toxic if ingested in any way.

Native Range

The mountains of Ecuador.

Additional Pictures

Related Species

Solanaceae
	Acnistus arborescens Wild Tobacco		Brugmansia arborea Angel's Trumpet
	Brugmansia aurea Golden Angel's Trumpet		Brugmansia candida White Angel's Trumpet
	Brugmansia sanguinea Red Angel's Trumpet		Brugmansia suaveolens Angel's Trumpet
	Brugmansia versicolor Orange Angel's Trumpet		Capsicum caballeroi Capsicum caballeroi
	Capsicum exile Cobincho Pepper		Capsicum eximium Capsicum eximium
	Capsicum flexuosum Capsicum flexuosum		Capsicum galapagoense Galapagos Island Pepper
	Capsicum praetermissum Cumari		Capsicum rhomboideum Capsicum rhomboideum
	Cyphomandra abutiloides Dwarf Tamarillo		Cyphomandra betacea Tree Tomato
	Datura inoxia Thorn Apple		Datura metel Double Purple Datura
	Iochroma australe (Acnistus australis) Mini Angel's Trumpet		Iochroma cyaneum Violet Churcu
	Iochroma fuchsioides Red Iochroma		Iochroma grandiflora Giant Iochroma
	Jaltomata procumbens Jaltomato		Lycopersicon melanocarpa Lycopersicon melanocarpa
	Lycopersicon skorospelka Lycopersicon skorospelka		Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco
	Physalis alkekengi Chinese Lantern		Physalis angulata Mullaca
	Physalis costomatl Cotztomatl		Physalis ixocarpa Tomatillo
	Physalis minima Sunberry		Physalis peruviana Cape Gooseberry
	Physalis pruinosa Ground Cherry		Solanum aviculare Kangaroo Apple
	Solanum burbankii Wonderberry		Solanum caripense Tzimbalo
	Solanum chessmanii Galapagos Island Tomato		Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet
	Solanum hispidum Giant Devil's Fig		Solanum lycocarpum Fruit for Wolves
	Solanum macrocarpon Gbogname		Solanum mammosum Nipple Fruit
	Solanum melanocerasum Garden Huckleberry		Solanum muricatum Pepino
	Solanum pseudolulo Pseudolulo		Solanum quitoense Naranjilla
	Solanum sessiliflorum Cocona		Solanum uporo Cannibal's Tomato
	Withania somnifera Ashwagandha