Poporo
Poporo – Solanum forsteri
Herbaceous to small shrub. Stems up to 70 cm long, +/- hairy. Leaves alternate,, oval to lanceolate, 3.5-8 x 1.6-5 cm. Inflorescence with 2-4 small flowers with 5 white petals. The fruit is a 0.5-1 cm black berry that contains several 1 mm seeds.
Importance
Their fruits were consumed. Medicinal properties were attributed to the leaves to cure stomach pain and for the recovery of bones after a fracture, through the application of massages. In the past it was used as a feminine disinfectant (during pregnancies and childbirth), in addition to being used as an anti-hemorrhagic and to control eczema (rashes, irritations).
Propagation
It propagates mainly by seeds, which require light and nutritious substrate.
Ecology
Some specimens have been delivered to the community for ex-situ conservation. Due to the threats that Rapa Nui's native flora faces today (forest fires, uncontrolled livestock grazing, invasive species, climate crisis, poaching), its spread in the wild seems quite complex.
Conservation
It is IN CRITICAL DANGER OF EXTINCTION.
Distribution
The poporo exists under the name Solanum forsteri only on Rapa Nui, which is why it appears as endemic to the island. However, the species may be conspecific with other Solanum sp. Indigenous people of the Pacific. Solanum forsteri solamente en Rapa Nui, por lo cual aparece como endémico para la isla. Sin embargo, la especie puede ser conespecífica con otras Solanum sp. Indígenas del pacífico.
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