Porcupine Tomato (Solanum pyracanthum): Armored Ornamental

Solanum pyracanthum, known as Porcupine Tomato, is a striking, spiny shrub from the Solanaceae family. Native to Madagascar, it grows 3 to 5 feet tall with large, lobed leaves heavily armed with prominent orange-yellow spines on both surfaces and stems.

Purple flowers appear in clusters, followed by small, inedible tomato-like fruits. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, drought-tolerant once established. A dramatic focal point for xeric gardens or containers, but handle with caution due to its formidable spines.

Taxonomic Details