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Solanum erianthum
Solanum erianthum D. Don
Potatotree, Potato Tree
Solanaceae (Potato Family)
Synonym(s): Solanum erianthum var. adulterinum, Solanum verbascifolium
USDA Symbol: SOER2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), PR (N), VI (N)
The Potato Tree is a member of the nightshade family (family Solanaceae) which includes herbs, shrubs, vines, and trees with often showy flowers generally in branched clusters. There are about 85 genera and 2,300 species in tropical and warm temperate region, especially in Central and South America. Several are poisonous, but others supply foods such as chili, bell pepper, tomato, potato, eggplant, and groundcherry. Tobacco comes from the family. Petunia, Painted-Tongue, and Butterfly Flower are grown as ornamentals.
From the Image Gallery
No images of this plant
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 12 feet tall, often shorter.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteDistribution
USA: FL , TXNational Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FAC | UPL | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX
Web Reference
Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic BotanyWebref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Solanum erianthum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Solanum erianthum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Solanum erianthum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-12-19Research By: TWC Staff