Costa Rican Nightshade
Solanum wendlandii
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
An evergreen twining climber. It can climb 7 m high. The leaves are simple or with uneven lobes. The leaves can have small hooked prickles. The flowers rotate. They are star shaped and 5 cm across. They are violet. The petals are fused at the edges and have notches. The fruit are yellow and 10 cm long.
There are about 1400 Solanum species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It needs moderate moisture. It needs an average to fertile, well-drained soil. It does best in full sun. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica (country/location of origin), Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Jamaica, Malawi, Marquesas, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, North America, Pacific, Panama, Puerto Rico, South America, USA, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
CAUTION: The green fruit contain an alkaloid. The young spiny leaves and stems are boiled and eaten as a green.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants are usually grown from cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Giant potato vine, Paradise-flower, Wendland's nightshade