Solanum crispum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Species:
S. crispum
Binomial name
Solanum crispum

Solanum crispum is a species of flowering plant in the family Solanaceae, native to Chile and Peru. Common names include Chilean potato vine, Chilean nightshade, Chilean potato tree and potato vine. Growing to 6 m (20 ft) tall, it is a semi-evergreen, woody-stemmed climbing plant. The small blue fragrant flowers, 2.5 cm in diameter, with prominent yellow ovaries, appear in clusters in summer. They resemble those of the closely related potato. Very small poisonous berries are produced in autumn. The berries start out green, then yellow-orange, and finally purple. The leaves are oval.

The specific epithet crispum means "closely curled".[1]

Cultivation

Solanum crispum is grown as a garden plant. The free-flowering cultivar 'Glasnevin' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2][3]

The plant is fast-growing with a long flowering period, typically from midsummer till autumn (fall). It grows well in neutral or slightly alkaline soils that are moist and well drained. Requiring some protection from frost, planting it against a south- or west-facing fence or wall in full sun is recommended.[4]

There is a white form known as 'Album'.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Solanum crispum.
  1. ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
  2. ^ "Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'". RHS. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  3. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 98. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  4. ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 978-1405332965.

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