Definition

Noun: 1. A common name for two distinct species of flowering vines in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), known for their ornamental flowers and tuberous roots. * Solanum laxum (formerly S. jasminoides): A copiously branched, evergreen vine native to South America, often called the "jasmine nightshade" or "potato vine," prized for its profuse clusters of small, star-shaped white or pale blue flowers. * Solanum wendlandii: A vigorous, sometimes climbing vine native to Central America, known as the "giant potato vine" or "paradise flower," notable for its large clusters of showy lilac-blue flowers and sparse, hook-like spines.

Usage Examples

• The potato vine covering the pergola is covered in a cloud of delicate white blossoms.
• For a dramatic summer display, consider planting the potato vine .
• Despite its name, the ornamental potato vine is not cultivated for edible tubers.

Advanced Usage

• The term potato vine is primarily used in horticultural and gardening contexts to refer to these specific ornamental species. It is important to distinguish them from the common potato plant (), which is grown for food.
• These vines are often used for training on trellises, fences, and arbors to provide quick coverage and seasonal flowers.

Variants and Related Words

• Solanum laxum: The botanical name for one species commonly called potato vine.
• Solanum wendlandii: The botanical name for another species commonly called giant potato vine.
• Jasmine nightshade: A common name for .
• Paradise flower: A common name for .

Synonyms

• Ornamental nightshade vine
• Jasmine nightshade (for )
• Giant potato vine (for )

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term potato vine can cause confusion. In a strict botanical sense, it refers to the vine-like growth of the common potato plant (). However, in common gardening parlance, it almost exclusively refers to the ornamental, flowering vines and . Context usually makes the meaning clear.

Noun

1. copiously branched vine of Brazil having deciduous leaves and white flowers tinged with blue
2. vine of Costa Rica sparsely armed with hooklike spines and having large lilac-blue flowers