Potato Tree

Habitat:

Native to South Florida and other parts of southern US through northern South America. Varied habitats including disturbed areas, wooded areas, road sides, riparian areas, etc.

Notes:

Found this nightshade species (a.k.a. Velvet Nightshade) growing as a large shrub near the park entrance. Its Spanish name "Salvadora" (the feminine form of the noun savior) is probably due to its many traditional medicinal uses. As a member of the nightshade family the berries do contain toxins harmful to humans.