Scientific name: Solanum conocarpum

Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
Form: Endangered woody shrub
Native to: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

This rare and endangered woody shrub is endemic to the island of St. John. Once thought extinct, it was rediscovered in the wild and is now part of regional conservation efforts. Marron bacora produces small purple flowers and fleshy fruit and plays a subtle but vital role in dry forest ecosystems.

Though not a tree by standard definition, Solanum conocarpum is of exceptional conservation importance. It is included in the Garden’s collection to support native plant preservation, public education, and biodiversity awareness in the Virgin Islands.

Listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (2016)