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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Potato vine
| image = SolanumCrispum.jpg
| image_width = 200px
| regnum = [[Plantae]]
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Solanales]]
| familia = [[Solanaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Solanum]]''
| species = '''''S. crispum'''''
| binomial = ''Solanum crispum''
}}

'''''Solanum crispum''''' is also called the '''Chilean potato vine''' or '''Chilean potato-tree''' or often just [[potato vine]]. It belongs to the same [[genus]] as the [[potato]] (''Solanum tuberosum''). The flowers resemble potato flowers. ''Solanum crispum'' is a South American, [[perennial plant|perennial]], semi-[[evergreen]], woody-stemmed [[Vine#Climbing plants|climbing plant]] that has blue [[flower]]s 2.5 cm in diameter with a yellow ovary, producing very small poisonous purple [[Berry|berries]] in autumn. The berries start out green, then yellow-orange. The [[leaf|leaves]] are oval. It grows wild in [[Chile]] and [[Peru]].
==''Solanum crispum'' as a garden plant==

''Solanum crispum'' is also cultivated as a [[Ornamental plant|garden plant]]. The [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Royal Horticultural Society]] gave ''Solanum crispum'' the “Award of Garden Merit”. The plant is fast growing and has a long flowering period, typically from June till the autumn. The plant can start to flower in May carry on till September or even October. The flowers are fragrant.

''Solanum crispum'' grows well in soils that are moist and well drained. The soil should be neutral or a bit [[Alkali#Alkaline soil|alkaline]], see [[Soil pH]]. The [[University of Cambridge]] considers ''Solanum crispum'' hardy, though others think it should be protected from frost. In areas where the plant is tender planting it against a south or west facing fence or wall is recommended. The plant needs support but can reach 15 or 20 [[Foot (unit of length)|feet]], (5 or 7 [[metre]]s). It grows best in the sun and should be given plenty of sunny space if it is to reach its potential. It can be cut back to keep it within bounds.

There is a white form known as "album". A popular form is, "Solanum crispum Glasnevin", which flowers freely and is hardy.
==External Links==
* [http://www.habitas.org.uk/gardenflora/solanum_crispum.htm Photographs: growing against a wall in a garden in the Ards Peninsula, Co Down.]

==References==

* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/860.shtml BBC Gardening], from the [[BBC]]
* [http://www.gardeninghelpuk.com/University%20of%20Cambridge,%20Gardening%20Services.htm University of Cambridge, Gardening Services Section]
* [http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_0a09.html Solanum crispum, ( Autumnale )]
* [http://www.exeter.ac.uk/grounds1969/ch6.html The Garden of the Department of Botany]

* [http://www.paghat.com/bluepotatovine.html Blue Potato Vine; aka, Climbing Chilean Potato Tree]
* [http://www.paghat.com/berries6.html Berries portrait of ''Solanum crispum glasnerium'' Blue Potato Vine] ''(This Web site may underestimate the toxicity of [[Deadly nightshade|Deadly Nightshade]])''

[[Category:Solanaceae]]
[[Category:Flora of Chile]]
[[Category:Flora of Peru]]
[[Category:Solanum]]

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