Solanum stoloniferum

Solanum stoloniferum is an edible common wild potato from the USA and Mexico that tastes like sweet chestnut. Solanum stoloniferum is used for food in USA and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is also eaten by the Tarahumara Indians in the Chihuahua, Mexico.

When eaten raw the potatoes are mixed with clay. One report says that after every mouthful of raw potato, a person takes a bite of white clay to counteract the unpleasant astringent effect in the mouth.

Species detail

This wild potato is widespread and very variable.

Solanum stoloniferum is similar to the commercial potato, but has more narrow leaf sections and shorter leaf stalks, and its flowers are white or purple but never pink (commercial potato plants can have pink flowers).

Taxonomy

The wild potato survives for many years and reaches heights of up to 70cm tall. Find out more about the taxonomy of Solanum stoloniferum and why there has been scientific argument over its identification.
Distribution

Discover where Solanum stoloniferum grows.
Taster/cooking

The wild potato can be eaten cooked or raw, however reports suggest it has a rather unpleasant taste when eaten raw. Learn more about the taste and cooking uses for Solanum stoloniferum and the nutritional benefits it provides.
Disease/pest resistance

Read about the disease and pest resistances that have been discovered in the wild potato.