Socratea exorrhiza

Probably the most famous of the stilt rooted palms, with the roots coming from up to 2m (6 feet) from the ground. The roots have small, white, conical spines.

Solandra grandiflora

Other species occur in the West Indies. Striking vine with glossy leaves and large showy white to yellow flowers. You can plant container plants at any time, but October is ideal, since it is a time of rapid growth. Plant near a wall, and water well. Use a slow release fertilizer in the fall. The 6-8 inch flowers are chalice shaped. They have a yellow corolla , with 5 purple lines. They bloom usually from February until May. Thick stemmed tropical liana with large shiny leaves and large bell shaped golden yellow flowers. The thick and woody ropelike stems branch frequently and root at their nodes, and can run for more than 30-40 ft. (9-12 m), clinging with aerial rootlets and scrambling over everything in the way. The evergreen leaves are leathery, about 6" long and elliptic, with prominent lighter colored midribs and lateral veins. They are fragrant, especially at night, with a scent reminiscent of coconut. Cup of gold blooms intermittently through the year, but mainly in the winter dry season. The fruits, rarely seen in cultivation, are round berries, about 2" in diameter. There are eight species of chalice vines, and they often are confused in the trade. Solandra maxima is the most common species in cultivation and vines offered as S. guttata and S. grandiflora may in fact be this one. The differences are subtle. Cup of gold is a fast growing vine that thrives in most any well-drained soil. It tolerates severe pruning and blooms on new growth, so it can be cut back at any time of year. This is a heavy vine, and it requires a very sturdy support. Let the vine grow for a while, producing vigorous new shoots, then withhold water until the leaves begin to wilt. Hardiness: USDA Zones 10 - 11. Propagation: Cup of gold usually is propagated from stem cuttings taken in summer and rooted with bottom heat. Usage Cup of gold is often grown on large pergolas or trellises, or trained to grow up the side of a house where the spectacular flowers can spill down the walls over windows and doorways. Tolerant of salt spray and salty soils, all the chalice vines are excellent for seaside gardens. This is a large, rampant grower which requires plenty of space and a strong support. The chalice vines are related to the angel trumpets (Datura spp. and Brugmansia spp.), and like them, have hallucinogenic properties. They are used in sacred ceremonies in Mexico.

Poisonous parts: leaves and flowers.

See Article about Solandra grandiflora.

Solandra maxima, Solandra hartwegii, Solandra selerae

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Thick stemmed tropical liana with large shiny leaves and large bell shaped golden yellow flowers. The thick and woody ropelike stems branch frequently and root at their nodes, and can run for more than 200', clinging with aerial rootlets and scrambling over everything in the way. The evergreen leaves are leathery, about 6" long and elliptic, with prominent lighter colored midribs and lateral veins. The flowers are truly spectacular, shaped like a chalice, 6-10" long, flaring open to 4-7" across. The five lobes of the corolla are reflexed, and each lobe is marked with a narrow purplish brown ridge on the inside. The flowers start out yellow and turn deeper golden as they age. They are fragrant, especially at night, with a scent reminiscent of coconut. Cup of gold blooms intermittently through the year, but mainly in the winter dry season. The fruits, rarely seen in cultivation, are round berries, about 2" in diameter. There are eight species of chalice vines, and they often are confused in the trade.Other species occur in the West Indies.

The 6-8 inch flowers are chalice shaped. They have a yellow corolla , with 5 purple lines. They bloom usually from February until May. Solandra maxima is the most common species in cultivation and vines offered as S. guttata and S. grandiflora may in fact be this one. The differences are subtle.

You can plant container plants at any time, but October is ideal, since it is a time of rapid growth. Plant near a wall, and water well. Use a slow release fertilizer in the fall.Cup of gold is a fast growing vine that thrives in most any well-drained soil. It tolerates severe pruning and blooms on new growth, so it can be cut back at any time of year. This is a heavy vine, and it requires a very sturdy support. Let the vine grow for a while, producing vigorous new shoots, then withhold water until the leaves begin to wilt. Hardiness: USDA Zones 10 - 11. Propagation: Cup of gold usually is propagated from stem cuttings taken in summer and rooted with bottom heat. Usage Cup of gold is often grown on large pergolas or trellises, or trained to grow up the side of a house where the spectacular flowers can spill down the walls over windows and doorways. Tolerant of salt spray and salty soils, all the chalice vines are excellent for seaside gardens. This is a large, rampant grower which requires plenty of space and a strong support. The chalice vines are related to the angel trumpets (Datura spp. and Brugmansia spp.), and like them, have hallucinogenic properties. They are used in sacred ceremonies in Mexico.

Poisonous Part: Leaves and flowers.

Solanum aculeatissimum, Solanum capsicoides

Solanum aculeatissimum, better known as Cockroach berry, is a small shrub native to South America. It produces a bear-like fruit with a tasty orange pulp, but the spiny or thorny nature of the leaves and stems make it quite an irritating plant to handle. But this small shrub of 2-5 feet in size is an ethnomedical plant, and it's also a fast-growing one at that.

When it comes to growing and caring for this plant, you only need to provide it full sun and moderate water, although they are surprisingly frost-tolerant. The additional advantage is that Cockroach berry is a low-maintenance and drought-resistant species, needing no extra or special care. It will also perform best in USDA Zone 9 - 11, but can be grown in colder climates if grown in a pot and provided with a bit of extra protection.

If you're living in areas where heavy rainfall is a common occurrence, be careful when planting this small shrub as it's known to be quite invasive. Due to its easy-to-spread nature, it's important to control it before it starts to overtake. Additionally, you'll need gloves on when handling these prickly plants, and it is recommended to wear thick clothing to protect your skin from its spines.

Overall, Solanum aculeatissimum is an interesting plant to grow, and due to its native status and invasive nature, it can be useful to both gardeners and households alike. Whether you grow it in the landscape or in a pot, it is sure to make a statement but just be sure to keep it in check and use gloves when handling!

Solanum atropurpureum

Solanum atropurpureum, otherwise known as Malevolence, is a large shrub native to South America. Growing 5-10 feet tall, this plant is well known for its bright yellow and orange flowers.

Malevolence is best suited to full sun, although it can tolerate some semi-shade. To maintain good health and achieve a mature size, it should be planted in moist, well-drained soil and given regular watering.

It is used in landscaping gardens and can be grown in USDA zones 9-11. In colder climates, growing Malevolence in containers is recommended and the shrub should be brought inside during periods of frost. Container-grown plants should be watered regularly to ensure soil remains damp and mulching should also be used to retain moisture.

While Malevolence offers a bright and cheerful appearance in any garden, it is also known for its spines and thorns, which can cause irritation when touched. The plant's fruits are also known for producing liquids that are highly irritating to the touch.

Malevolence is a great addition to many gardens, offering vibrance and height. Those planting it should be aware of its irritant properties and take necessary precautions when caring for it.

Solanum bahamense

Solanum bahamense (Bahama nightshade) is a very versatile species of plant, ideal for a range of conditions. It is a fast-growing, evergreen large shrub, reaching heights of up to 10 feet tall. In mild climates, it will also form smaller plants of up to 5 feet in height. It can also be grown successfully in containers and as a smaller, short-lived perennial.

The best place to grow Solanum bahamense is in an area with full sun and semi-shade. It enjoys moderate water and soil that drains well. It is an attractive addition to any garden, with its bright clusters of blue, lavender, and purple flowers throughout the growing season. It is also drought tolerant, and can gracefully tolerate short periods of dryness.

When established, this plant is surprisingly cold hardy, surviving temperatures that drop to at least the 30s F. Solanum bahamense is best grown in USDA zones 9-11. For colder regions, it can be grown in a pot, making sure to protect it from prolonged action of cold temperatures.

In its native region, Solanum bahamense can form large stands in disturbed soils and scrubs. But it's versatile nature makes it a great choice for many different places and habitats. It is an attractive addition to any garden and can be grown successfully in a range of climates and conditions.

Solanum betaceum, Cyphomandra crassicaulis, Cyphomandra betacea, Pionandra betacea, Solanum crassifolium

The Solanum betaceum, more commonly known as the Tamarillo, is a small tree of 10 to 20 feet that is native to the Andes mountain in Peru. This tree prefers semi-shade and requires the soil to remain moist. It produces white or off-white flowers that can be slightly irritating to the skin, though these give way to the edible fruits. A mature plant is cold hardy and can survive temperatures at least as low as the 30s Fahrenheit for a short time, and is suitable for USDA Grow Zones 9 to 11.

The ripe fruits of the Solanum betaceum can range from orange to red to purple, depending on the variety, and are similar in size and shape to a hen's egg. The flavor of the fruit can vary from tree to tree, but generally it is juicy and sub-acid, and often likened to the garden tomato. These fruits can be eaten raw or cooked, though they should have their seeds and skin removed before cooking. The unripe fruits are slightly toxic.

The Solanum betaceum tree can produce hundreds of fruits on one mature tree in the right conditions. These fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and offer a range of benefits to those who eat them, including improved eye health and a boost in energy. Eating tamarillos on a regular basis can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, can boost the immune system, and can help to promote healthy skin.

When growing Solanum betaceum in cold regions, the plant should be kept in a pot and brought indoors during the winter months. This will help to keep it safe from the harsh winter temperatures and will ensure that the tree can survive until the following growing season.

Solanum bonariense, Solanum grandiflorum

Solanum capsicastrum

Winter cherries (Solanum capsicastrum) are popular winter bedding in pots or window boxes that offer colorful foliage throughout winter. This low-maintenance perennial will reward you with neat little shrubs in a sheltered border.

Starting from midsummer, small white blooms dot the shrub, but the real show begins when tiny fruits the size of cherries start to emerge. These fruits can range from green, to yellow, to orange, and eventually to a deep vibrant red.

False Jerusalem Cherry is commonly grown as an ornamental plant indoors or out, and can reach heights of up to five feet. It thrives in full or partial shade and makes an impact when displayed en masse in containers and window boxes.

While this beautiful shrub is relatively easy to care for, potential gardeners should note that the fruits are toxic and not to be eaten. Water moderately, with a low-nitrogen fertilizer used occasionally to encourage fruit growth. Pruning away dead woody stems and wilted flowers is needed to keep the plant in optimal health.

Solanum conocarpum

Rare plant native only to the U.S. Virgin Islands, growing in seasonally dry, coastal habitat. It is limited to the island of St. John, where there are approximately 190 plants living in the wild. Solanum conocarpum has very large, conical berries that are green at maturity.