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.

Copyright 2014 by Michael A. Arnold with all rights reserved; intended for future inclusion in Landscape Plants For Texas And
Environs, Fourth Edition.