Polo Tonga
Solanum viride
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 3 m tall. The leaves are alternate and narrowly oval. The base is rounded and unequal. The leaf stalk is 4 cm long. The flowers occur as 3-10 in a group. They are white with yellow stamens. The fruit are 2 cm across and bright red when ripe. There is a cultivar with larger leaves and fruit.
It varies and has been described as different species. The cv anthropophagorum has been used as food.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows on cliffs and rock faces. It grows from sea level to 100 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawaii, Marquesas, Pacific, Samoa, Society Islands, Tokelau, Tonga
How it is used for food
The fruit are cooked. The leaves are cooked as a potherb.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Boro dina, Lau polo, Polo, Poroporo