Solanum pyracanthos (Porcupine tomato)

Solanum pyracanthos is a striking tropical shrub known for its deeply lobed foliage and vivid orange spines that cover stems and leaf veins, giving the plant an unmistakably bold and architectural silhouette.

It grows naturally in dry, open habitats and thrives in bright, warm conditions with excellent drainage.

What makes Solanum pyracanthos distinctive?

Beyond its dramatic foliage and armature, Solanum pyracanthos produces soft lavender to pale violet flowers during warm seasons, followed by small berries that are not the primary ornamental feature. The plant performs best in full sun and lean, well-drained soil, maintaining strong color and compact form with moderate watering. In USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-11, it can grow as a perennial ornamental, while in cooler regions it adapts well to container culture that can be moved indoors during cold spells. Its combination of vibrant flowering, heat tolerance, and striking defensive morphology makes it a distinctive choice for collectors and for dramatic displays in tropical or arid-inspired plantings.