Broken roots smell like cooked potatoes, while trichomes on the leaves, stems, and petioles release an odor similar to tar when rubbed.

[9] Solanum erianthum is native to the southernmost parts of the contiguous United States (southern Florida and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas),[10] the Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America,[2] including the Galápagos Islands.

[5] It is believed that Spanish explorers introduced Potato Tree to the Philippines in the 16th century, and from there it spread to Malesia, Australia, and the Asian mainland.

A root decoction is used to treat dysentery, fever, diarrhea, digestive problems, and violent body pains.

In West Africa, a decoction made from the leaves is used to treat leprosy, sexually-transmitted diseases, and malaria due to its laxative and diuretic effects.

The berries are toxic to humans, causing headache, cramps, and nausea, but are cooked and eaten in Southeast Asia and made into curry in southern India.

Potato Tree is grown as an ornamental in the Caribbean and is an acceptable shade plant for shade-grown coffee.