Solanum pyracanthum (Porcupine Tomato)

Thomas’ Opinion

Native to Madagascar, at first glance you might not believe that this is a real plant, or that it’s related to the Tomato. Having long thin bright orange thorns both a drawback and an incentive to owning such an unusual plant. Like many other plants in the Solanaceae family the leaves and stems contain highly toxic tropane alkaloids. Though the plant favors warm conditions it has been known to grow as a perennial in places where winters are below freezing. 

Type: Tender perennial /Fall Interest.

Family: Solanaceae

USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11.

Flowering Period: Year round.

Height: 91 cm - 152 cm.

Spread: 60 cm - 91 cm.

Growth: Fast

General Description: Known for its unusual appearance, the Porcupine Tomato presents year round interest with its lavender coloured flowers and the eye-catching orange spines dominating the tops of the soft fragmented leaves.

ID Characteristics: An interesting ornamental with lobed blue green leaves having many prominent orange spines or thorns along the midrib of the leaf with orange fuzzy stems.

Shape: Upright.

Landscape: Specimen, masses.

Propagation: This plant self seeds and propagation can be done from seeds: Germinate with bottom heat.

Cultivation: This plant thrives in sun or light shade with well drained soil with a bit of compost added before planting in the ground. Protect from frost. It will succeed in acidic and alkaline soils. Water porcupine plants often enough to keep the soil moist. 

Pests: Flea beetles. Deer and rabbit resistant. Drought tolerant.

Notable Specimens: A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario.

Habitat: Native to Madagascar, this plant would be found in damp and warm soils with rich sandy soils. The terrain of Madagascar is a narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center.

Bark Description: The stems are fuzzy with orange thorns all over.

Bud Description: Buds are green, very small with orange spikes circling them.

Leaf Description: The fuzzy bluish-green pinnately lobed leaves are 6 - 21 cm in length with dramatic prickly upright orange spines down the mid ribs.

Flower Description: The plant blooms year round in clusters of small 1 inch star shaped lavender, papery thin flowers with a yellow central beak. The back of each petal has a white stripe running from the tip to the base.

Fruit Description: The plant produces miniature, marble sized yellow-green coloured fruit.

Colour Description: This unique plant emits a visually striking appearance with straight orange thorns on the tops of the leaves as well as the slight orange fuzz on the stems. The orange colour stands out when against the green leaves. Small purple blooms have a yellow center and the foliage is consistent throughout the seasons.

Texture Description: The stems are covered with orange fuzz and velvety soft leaves. Texture is consistent throughout the seasons.

Ethnobotanical Uses: Not usually because the leaves, flowers and fruit are poisonous.