New Zealand Nightshade

Solanum aviculare

Native to:
Chatham Is., Kermadec Is., New Zealand, Norfolk Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Solanum
Species:
Solanum aviculare
USDA Symbol:
SOAV

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
400 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jan,feb,mar,sep,oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
purple, violet, white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Host Plant for Caterpillars

tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Pioneer species that readily colonizes disturbed and fire-affected sites; resprouts from base after damage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils with good organic content

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily at 18-22°C without pretreatment. Light may improve germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI