Poroporo

Scientific name: Solanum laciniatum, S. aviculare
English name: New Zealand nightshade, Native nightshade

Pioneer Shrub - native to the Wellington Region
Suits: damp, dry, shade, partial shade, sunny, shelter, exposure, coastal forest garden, coastal and dune garden, small garden or balcony, wetlands and water features

About Poroporo

Commonly regarded as a weed, and offten confused with the now much less common and "At Risk" species Solanum aviculare. This soft-wooded shrub with black trunks, dark green leaves and purple flowers is often found on forest margins and light wells. Ithas a erect to spreading growth, growing up to three metre. The trumpet shaped flowers are purple to violet, and is some cases white, in a long-stalked cluster, with each flower being 3-5 cm across and is followed by drooping sprays of berries are yellow to orange-yellow when ripe, succulent, egg-shaped and very well thought after by native birds, from kaka to silvereyes.
Is often used for revegetation planting

It grows well in most situations and is easily grown from fresh seed and cuttings. Tolerant of heavy shade and full sun, and dry or wet soils and cold tolerant. Extremely fast growing and can cover. It should also be noted that as with all poroporo the green fruits are extremely toxic.All parts are toxic to mammals due to steroidal alkaloids, glucocides and solasodine alkaloids.

Provides for birds