Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) Brunfelsia pauciflora
Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) (Brunfelsia pauciflora) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Solanaceae family, native to Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: berries, seeds, all parts
Contains brunfelsamidine and hopeanine, which cause tremors and seizures; dogs that chew the berries can die (ASPCA lists it as toxic).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá)
- How far apart should I plant Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá)?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) flower?
- From about March for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains brunfelsamidine and hopeanine, which cause tremors and seizures; dogs that chew the berries can die (ASPCA lists it as toxic).
- What grows well with Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (manacá). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Flora e Funga do Brasil, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (REFLORA)
Notes and assumptions
- Flat, fragrant flowers open violet, fade to lavender and then white over three days, so all three colours show at once.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica