Gentian (solanum)

Presentation

Solanum or Kangaroo apple

The Gentian bush blooms from spring through to autumn, so you are sure to enjoy seeing it in bloom while you’re holidaying at our four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette® in the Var area, French Riviera-Côte d’Azur, even outside peak season!

Originating from South America, the beautiful flowers of this perennial shrub light up the gardens of our mobile homes all year round.

The flowers of this bushy shrub are small and bluey-purple, with a yellow heart and very delicate petals. If protected from frost, gentian is fairly resistant to cold and blooms every year. That is why it loves the campsite’s warm gardens so much!

Electric blue flowers in the campsite’s alleys

In Latin, solanum means “sunshine plants”. In its country of origin, gentian is referred to as the “blue potato bush”.

Its dark green foliage offers a striking contrast to its brightly-coloured flowers. Easy to grow, this bush tolerates a variety of soils and flourishes in the sunshine.

Gentian (solanum) adds a touch of exoticism and colour to every outdoor area.

But beware: all parts of plants belonging to the solanum family contain toxic substances (berries, leaves, flowers).

Where to find it at the campsite

You’ll find gentian around the pétanque courts (nr. 6 on the Décou’Verte® botanical footpath plan) and in Allée du Filon (nr. 17).

Identity

Latin name :	Solanum rantonnetii
Family :	solanaceae
Genus :	solanum
Species :	rantonetti
Color :	Purple and white
Origin :	Argentine Paraguay
Foliage :	Evergreen
Port :	shrub
Height :	up to 2 m
Flowering :	April to November

Did you know?

Barthélémy Victor Rantonnet, a botanist from Hyères, studied this flower in depth. The solanum rantonnetii variety was named after him.