Solanum seaforthianum (Brazilian Nightshade)

Botanical name: Solanum seaforthianum

Common names: Brazilian Nightshade, St. Vincent Lilac, Glycine, Italian Jasmine, Potato Creeper

Origin: South America

This is a showy, evergreen, slender-stemmed vine growing to 20 ft (6 m) and bearing large nodding clusters of violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens in summer. These are followed by small scarlet berries. Very tender to cool weather. Prefers artial shade, especially in afternoon. In tropical climates, use for year-long coverage of arbors, gazebos, and trellises, even the clear trunk of a palm or other tree: anywhere a vine is desirable. The Solanum family is very large, consisting of nearly 1500 species ranging from vegetables like the potato and aubergine, to ornamental shrubs and climbers, plus a number of weeds. Some, as their common name Nightshade suggests, are toxic and need careful handling.