Solanum Diploconos

Solanum diploconos is a fast-growing, but short-lived evergreen shrub or small tree growing 1 - 4 meters tall. The plant has been tried as a fruit crop in New Zealand, but apparently without commercial success. The thick, leathery mesocarp and glandular puberulence of the berry will probably be obstacles to its acceptance as a fruit crop. The plant is also grown as an ornamental due to its small size and attractive flowers and foliage. The forests that make up the natural habitat of this species have suffered heavy declines because of human activity over the past centuries. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.