Solanum erianthum aka Potatotree

Solanum erianthum, also known as potatotree, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to southern North America and northern South America. It has a nearly pantropical distribution and has been introduced to other parts of the world. The grey or brown bark is smooth-lenticellate and the trunk is 2–5 cm thick. The crown is flat-topped and spreading, with simple leaves that are alternate, ovate or elliptic, and 12–37 cm long. The flowers are in lateral cymes and are 1.1–1.8 cm in diameter, with a five-lobed corolla that is white and five stamens with yellow anthers. The fruit is a yellow berry 1–1.2 cm in diameter with many seeds. The specific epithet, erianthum, refers to the dense trichomes (hairs) on the flowers, berries, leaves, stem tips, and petioles. Broken roots smell like cooked potatoes, while trichomes on the leaves, stems, and petioles release an odor similar to tar when rubbed. Potatotree is a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well draining and can be supplemented with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season. Common names for Solanum erianthum include mullein nightshade (which may also refer to S. donianum), velvet nightshade, and salvadora. However, it is important to note that the potatoes are not the fruits of the trees, but rather the leaves. Despite having soft and brittle wood, the limbs of potatotree are strong enough to support birds such as chachalacas.