About Solanum crispum Ruiz & Pav.
Solanum crispum Ruiz & Pav. is a species of flowering plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Chile and Peru. Its common names are Chilean potato vine, Chilean nightshade, Chilean potato tree, and potato vine. It is a semi-evergreen, woody-stemmed climbing plant that can grow up to 6 m (20 ft) tall. In summer, clusters of small blue fragrant flowers appear, measuring 2.5 cm in diameter with prominent yellow ovaries. These flowers resemble those of the closely related potato. Very small poisonous berries are produced in autumn; the berries start green, turn yellow-orange, and finally ripen to purple. Its leaves are oval in shape. The specific epithet crispum means "closely curled".
This species is grown as a garden ornamental. It is fast-growing and has a long flowering period, typically from midsummer through autumn. The free-flowering cultivar 'Glasnevin' has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, and a white-flowered form called 'Album' also exists. It grows best in moist, well-drained neutral or slightly alkaline soils. It needs some protection from frost, so it is recommended to plant it against a south- or west-facing fence or wall in full sun.
