Solanum Macranthum M.F. Dunal Brazilian Potato Tree

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Solanum macranthum M.F. Dunal Brazilian Potato Tree (Solanum crinitum, Solanum wrightii) • This species is also known as Blue Potato Vine, Giant Potato Tree or Giant Star Potato Tree; a tropical evergreen large shrub to small tree in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 13 reaching 8 to 15 (20) tall, S. macranthum also serves as a herbaceous perennial in zone 9a; this South American species can be grown as a summer annual in colder climates; initially plants are erect in habit, becoming more rounded at maturity; the texture is decidedly coarse. • Stout clubby stems are mostly hidden by the large, 8 to 12 long, ovate leaves with prominent pointed pinnate lobing, creating an overall resemblance to large oak leaves; leaves are a dark rich lustrous green with hirsute pubescence which is most prevalent beneath; stout petioles and stems also have stiff yellowish pubescence; frequently yellowish prickles are found on the stems or underside of the main veins, although a prickleless form is sometimes encountered under the cultivar name of 'Thornless'; bark is initially green, becoming splotched brown over time, then eventually the smooth gray brown bark develops very shallow cracked plates, appearing almost corky on older trees. • Clusters of attractive five-pointed star-shaped flowers appear at the margins of the canopy where they are highly visible; petals overlap and are lightly ruffled on the margins with vertically protruding central yellow anthers; the specific epithet means large anthers; flowers mature through color changes from lavender, violet, or purple progressively fading to lighter tints until individual flowers turn white before senescing; this results in a multiple flowers in the bluish purple to white ranges present together at any one time; flowering occurs whenever temperatures permit; pendent fruits resemble small green tomatoes with dark splotches and are not ornamental; flowers attract bees and butterflies. • Plants grow best in tropical climates with full sun exposure, moist well drained soils, and a high degree of fertility; plants are not adapted to extended drought, requiring a constant moisture supply; grow is rapid in warm weather and S. macranthum is very site responsive in ultimate size and rate of growth; plants are adaptable to all but very high pH soils; plants tolerate some salinity in the irrigation water; avoid ingestion of all plant parts as many are reportedly poisonous.