The leaves of this vine are not all of one shape, but vary in form from a simple outline to one that is deeply lobed, with the end lobe sometimes larger than the others. The leaves are smooth in texture but have occasional prickles. ([Plate XII])
Another “Potato vine” in Hawaii is Solanum seaforthianum. It has small flowers of a rich purple-blue, about an inch across, which appear in loose clusters in summer. They are of the same pentagonal form as the larger ones and have a bright yellow center created by the stamen.
The foliage of S. seaforthianum is small; but, like the large potato vine, varies in form.
The giant vine is a native of Costa Rica while the smaller one came from Brazil. Both belong to the Solanum, or nightshade family.
A close relative is the Giant Potato Tree which has flowers of very similar form and color. See [Plate II].
PHANERA
Bauhinia corymbosa Roxburgh
The Phanera carries large, loose, corymbose clusters of small pale, pinkish flowers, during the summer months. The flowers are about an inch across and have five delicately fluted white petals. These may be flushed with pink. Several long bright red stamens project from the center and give the flower cluster a pinkish effect.
The leaves seem to be paired, but are really deeply lobed, their outer edges rounded, the notch cut in deeply. The nerves are almost parallel. This peculiar leaf shows the relationship of this vine to other members of the same family, especially the Orchid tree and the St. Thomas tree. The genus was named for the twin Bauhin brothers who were herbalists in the 16th century.
The flowers are followed by long, flat, purplish-brown pods, showing this plant belongs to the legume family. Its native home is China. ([Plate XII])