Solanum aviculare

Solanum aviculare, commonly known as the groundcherry or African groundcherry, is a subshrub to shrub native to the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, New Zealand North and South Islands, Norfolk Island, and the east coast of Australia. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows to a height of about 1.8 meters. Solanum aviculare has both edible and medicinal uses; its fruit is often consumed, while various parts of the plant have been used for traditional remedies. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and complements other ingredients well in dishes. The plant's adaptability to diverse soil types makes it a versatile addition to gardens in its native range. While the fruit is edible, caution should be exercised when using any part of the plant for medicinal purposes, as the safety and efficacy of such uses have not been scientifically validated. The plant has been introduced into California, Hawaii, New Caledonia, New South Wales, North Caucasus, Oregon, Queensland, South Australia, Transcaucasus, Victoria, and Western Australia, where it can be used as a hedgerow.