Solanum erianthum aka Tobacco Tree

Taxonomy

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.

Common names

Tobacco Tree, Wild Tobacco, Big Eggplant

How to care for Tobacco Tree

Difficulty

Caring for Tobacco Tree is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Tobacco Tree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tobacco Tree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Tobacco Tree prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Tobacco Tree. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Region of origin

Tobacco Tree’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia