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Re: solanums

I react with dismay to the idea that New Zeaanders would use anything as
vicious as S pyrenacantha as a street tree.

In fact NO tree-sized Solanums are grown in this country. Apart from the
Jerusalem Cherry (common in  a few old gardens) the only ornamental
species from this genus which we know are three climbers and  only one
of these is heardy enough to be common (S Jasminoides). S seaforthianum
and S wendlandii can only be grown in frost-free northern areas.

Of the original list Susan asked about, nobody has come up with anything
about Entelia, on which I can easily throw some light as the single
species (E arborescens) is a New Zealand native, though rare in the
wild.

Entelia arborescens  Known to the Maori as Whau (pronounced
approximately Fwhow) and apparently to some people as the NZ Mulberry
tree because of its appearence. A small tree growing to about 3 metres
(say ten feet). It has large, highly decorative, soft green leaves
prominently veined. The flowers are white in large drooping clusters and
the fruit looks like a small chestnut burr. It contains orange inedible
seeds. Then wood is incredibly light, about half the weight of cork and
can be used for fishing floats. It is a member of the Tiliaceae (Lime
family).

It is a very pretty rather spreading tree and suitable for sheltered
positions in good soil. Unfortunately, I cannot grow it in my garden,
because it will not take frost.

Moira
 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand
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