Potato vine (Solanum laxum)
Also known as: Potato climber
Potato vine is a vine that is grown as an ornamental for its star-shaped flowers. The flowers emit a sweet scent that attracts birds but drives away deer. The genus name 'Solanum' means 'comforting or soothing' in English. It bears glossy berry-like fruits that are black, blue, and purple in color.
Images of Potato vine
Quickly Identify Potato vine
1
Robust vine reaching 30 feet (9 meters) with woody, twining growth habit.
2
Profuse star-shaped white flowers with yellow stamens, followed by colorful berry-like fruits.
3
Simple, dark green leaves are ovate to ovate-lanceolate, with prominently marked veins.
4
Berries vary in color from blue to purple to shiny black, each containing 10-32 seeds.
5
Slender, semi-woody stem can grow up to 50 feet (15 meters) long, with profuse branching.
Scientific Classification of Potato vine
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies
Family
Nightshade
Genus
Nightshades
Species
Solanum laxum
