Solanum crispum

Solanum crispum is a species of flowering plant in the family Solanaceae, native to Chile and Peru. It is commonly known as the Chilean potato tree, Chilean nightshade, or by its Spanish name, Natri.

Description

Solanum crispum is a semi-evergreen, woody climbing shrub that can reach heights of up to 4 meters. It has oval, dark green leaves and clusters of star-shaped, violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens. The flowers are followed by small, round, yellow-orange berries.

Cultivation

Solanum crispum is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and berries. It is hardy to USDA zones 8-10 and prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position. It can be propagated by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings.

Uses

The berries of Solanum crispum are edible, although they are not commonly consumed due to their bitter taste. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat various ailments, although there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.

Taxonomy

Solanum crispum was first described by the Spanish botanist Hipólito Ruiz López in 1794. It is part of the Solanum genus, which includes around 1,500 species of flowering plants, including the potato, tomato, and eggplant.

See also

• List of Solanum species
• Flora of Chile
• Flora of Peru

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