Solanum nigrum
| Solanum nigrum |
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| Scientific classification |
| Kingdom: |
Plantae
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| Division: |
Magnoliophyta
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| Class: |
Magnoliopsida
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| Order: |
Solanales
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| Family: |
Solanaceae
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| Genus: |
Solanum
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| Species: |
S. nigrum
|
|
| Binomial name |
Solanum nigrum
L. |
| Subspecies |
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S. nigrum subsp. nigrum
S. nigrum subsp. schultesii
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Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade, Duscle, Garden Nightshade, Hound's Berry, Petty Morel, Small-fruited black nightshade, Sunberry, or Wonderberry) is a species in the Solanum genus, native to Eurasia and also introduced in the Americas. In Hawaii it is called popolo.[1]
The green berries and mature leaves contain glycoalkaloids and are poisonous to eat raw. Their toxicity varies and there are some strains which have edible berries when fully ripe.[2] The plant has a long history of medicinal usage, dating back to ancient Greece. In India, the berries are casually grown and eaten; but not cultivated for commercial use. In Tamil, the berries are called மணத்தக்காளி - manathakkaali, or "fragrant tomato".
Black nightshade is a fairly common plant, found in many wooded areas, as well as disturbed habitats. It has a height of 30-120 cm (12-48"), leaves 4-7.5 cm (1 1/2-3") long; ovate to heart-shaped, with wavy or large-toothed edges. The flowers have petals greenish to whitish, recurved when aged and surround prominent bright yellow anthers. The fruits are oval black berries in small hanging clusters.
References
- ^ Arnold, M.D., Harry L. (1968). Poisonous Plants of Hawaii. Tokyo, Japan: Charles E. Tuttle Co., 55.
- ^ Nancy J Turner, Adam F Szczawinski, "Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America" p.128
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