I don't know about the gulf but it really seem's to like it in colorado i have ton's of moon flowers (Datura inoxia) growing like a weed's in my front yard
my climate is probably abit drier and a bit cooler then you are but from the way i see them grow i think there unstoppable
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datura_inoxia
i would say just plant some in a partial sun area and see if it will take off
hope this help's some