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NZ Plants

Solanum aviculare - poroporo

Nightshade family: Solanaceae

Solanum aviculare is a quick-growing shrub with narrow dark green and thin, fleshy leaves varying from lobed to unlobed. Flowers have a funnel-like shape and white, lavender or dark blue. The long petal lobes (about as long as the petal tube) that end in a sharp tip distinguish this species from S. laciniatum. All parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids especially the unripe fruit. Solanum is a large genus widespread around the world with many species being important for their medicinal, agricultural and ornamental qualities.
A fast growing plant of open exposed areas found throughout the country.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: shrub up to 3 m

Flower symmetry: symmetric
 

Flower size: 30-40  mm diam.

Leaf form: undivided, or with shallow lobes

Sepals: 5

Leaf size: 40-400 mm

Petals: 5, white, lavender, dark blue

Leaf arrangement: alternate

Sexuality: bisexual

Leaf attachment:

Stamens: 4

Leaf margin: smooth

Ovary: above petals

Leaf surface: sparse hairs

Fruit: fleshy


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