This large shrub to small tree has a spiny greyish trunk with spreading arching branches that form a rounded crown. It has mid green lobed leaves and the fragrant violet-white wheel-shaped flowers appear in a small cluster from spring to early summer.  

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Solanum wrightii is naturally found in South America growing in Brazil and Bolivia along forest margins or beside water courses from sea level to an altitude of 4,900 m (16,00 ft). It prefers an open sunny to a semi-shaded position and grows in well drained organic rich moist soil with a pH from 5.5-7.5 and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

Tree Potato is grown for its flowers, foliage and rapid growth rate. It is planted in small gardens along borders as a quick screen or grown around a water feature for a tropical effect. It varies under cultivation from a multi stemmed shrub to a small tree and can be grown in tubs or planter boxes. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 2-3 years but is short lived. Under ideal conditions car should be taken as the plant can become a weed. ID 3767

Solanum (so-LAH-num) wrightii (RITE-ee-eye)

Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee)
Potato Family