Solanum nigrum
| Solanum nigrum
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| Scientific classification
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| 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
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| Binomial name
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Solanum nigrum
L.
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| 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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