March 10, 2012

Delight of the avenue ...


Botanical name: Solanum macranthum
Potato tree, Giant Star Potato Tree is native to Brazil, Potato tree is a small tree widely cultivated in the tropics. It is not actually potato, but belongs to the potato family. This plant grows quickly into a bushy tree of 15 feet in height and 15' wide. Grown for its ornamental purpose. The leaves are large, lobed and prickly. Flowers are fragrant and change their color from white to pink to lavender. It requires a rich soil for good growth. Suited for planting singly. Propagated by seeds. The Solanum family is very large, consisting of nearly 1500 species ranging from vegetables like the potato and aubergine, to ornamental shrubs and climbers, plus a number of weeds. Some, as their common name Nightshade suggests, are toxic and need careful handling. This photograph was taken on 4th February, 2012 near water tank circle, off Vivekananda Circle, Mysore from a way tree which was grown outside a house as an avenue tree.

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