A genuinely huge and diverse genus of climbing plants, solanum includes all the various nightshades, horsenettles and tubers, with varieties growing in the form of vines, shrubs and small trees. All in all, there are some 2,000 different species of solanum plants across the world, with some of the best known being cultivated widely for human consumption – the tomato, potato and aubergine. Others, such as North America and the UK’s common nightshade grow red berries which are poisonous to humans, demonstrating what a truly diverse genus solanum is. Among gardeners, the most popular forms of solanum are the “potato trees” and “potato vines” – semi-evergreen varieties which are known for their pretty, colourful flowers and vigorous growth. The “Chilean Potato Tree”, Solanum crispum, produces lovely purple-blue flowers and creamy fruits, while the vines like Solanum jasminoides are prized for their dazzling white or blueish flowers. All varieties thrive in the bright sunshine.