Solanum conocarpum

Solanum conocarpum on the University of the Virgin Islands-St. Thomas Campus, St. Thomas, USVI, 9 Apr 2021

Solanum conocarpum, commonly known as marron bacora, is a Virgin Islands native, flowering shrub plant once found throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. The plant is found in the dry, evergreen scrub formation of the Virgin Islands, which is the tropical dry deciduous forest. Solanum conocarpum has been recently classified as an endangered species. Approximately 92.5% of the species’ 200 individual are on private residential property, and measures have been taken to protect the plant.

Solanum conocarpum falls in the class of Magnoliopsida, a type of dicot plant. The flowers of S. conocarpum have 5 light violet petals that are green at the centermost of the flower and arranged in a cyme inflorescence with yellow stamens. Its fruit is a teardrop-shaped berry that is dark green with lighter green perpendicular stripes, which will turn to a golden yellow color when matured.