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Solanum aviculare Poroporo

May 31st 2005

Solanum aviculare Poroporo
This plant is in the same family as tomato- Solanaceae- so germination is relatively easy, once the flesh of the fruit is removed. The flesh contains germination inhibitors. Pick the fruits when they are bright orange and still hard to the touch. Store for a week at room temperature and the fruit will go tender and mushy. Simply squeeze the conglomerate of fruit and seed into a sieve and wash in running water to remove the pulp.  Sow in a glasshouse. Germination proceeds within 10 days.The plant is quick growing and I have heard some people in the South Island refer to poropro as a weed, as they can become prolific in farming situations.


If you wish to learn more about native plants I suggest one of these natural history books from fishpond

Life-size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns: Featuring the Caterpillars Which Feed on ThemA Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New ZealandGardener's Encyclopaedia of NZ Native PlantsTrees and Shrubs of New ZealandThe Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Native Trees

Bookstore

 

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