Showy chalicevine, Silver cup
Solandra grandiflora

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A climber or woody vine. It climbs over vegetation nearby. The vines can be 30 m long. Tendrils and roots can form from each node. Leaves are on the main vine and side branches. They are thick and dark green. They can be 15 cm long by 7 cm wide. The flowers are large. They can be 25 cm long and are bell shaped. Plants flower at night and have a strong scent. The fruit are large and yellow with many seeds.

There are about 8-10 Solandra species. They grow in tropical America. The fruit are considered magical and aphrodisiac. They contain alkaloids.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows near the coast.

Countries/locations it is found in

Antilles, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central America, India, Jamaica (country/location of origin), Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, South America (country/location of origin), Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. They probably should not be eaten. CAUTION: Some Solandra are poisonous. They contain hallucinogenic drugs.

Edible parts

Fruit, caution

How it is grown

Plants grown from cuttings rarely flower.

It grows quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Gusticha, Trumpet flower

Synonyms

Swartzia grandiflora (Sw.) J. F. Gmel.;