Status:
valid
Authors:
Mill.
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1768
Citation Micro:
Gard. Dict. ed. 8, no. 26. 1768.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001025774
Common Names
- Solanum Africanum
- African Potato
- African Nightshade
Description
Solanum africanum (also called 'African Nightshade', 'Kangaroo Apple' and 'African Potato', among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous vine native to Africa. It has ovate to lanceolate leaves, white flowers and yellow-orange berries. It grows in open woodlands, grasslands, and coastal areas.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum africanum is used as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine in Africa. It is also used as a food plant and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Solanum africanum is white with yellow anthers. The seed is a small, black, round berry. The seedlings are small, oval-shaped, and dark green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum africanum can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept at a temperature of around 20-25°C. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and rooted in a moist soil mix. Once rooted, they should be transplanted into a well-drained soil mix and kept at a temperature of around 20-25°C.
Where to Find Solanum africanum
Solanum africanum can be found in Africa.
Species in the Solanum genus
Solanum aemulans,
Solanum blanco-galdosii,
Solanum brucheri,
Solanum edinense,
Solanum michoacanum,
Solanum procurrens,
Solanum rechei,
Solanum sambucinum,
Solanum vallis-mexici,
Solanum abitaguense,
Solanum abollatum,
Solanum abortivum,
Solanum absconditum,
Solanum abutilifolium,
Solanum abutiloides,
Solanum acanthodapis,
Solanum acanthodes,
Solanum acaule,
Solanum accrescens,
Solanum acerifolium,
Solanum achorum,
Solanum acroglossum,
Solanum acropterum,
Solanum acroscopicum,
Solanum actaeibotrys,
Solanum actephilum,
Solanum aculeastrum,
Solanum aculeatissimum,
Solanum acuminatum,
Solanum acutilobum,
Solanum adenobasis,
Solanum adenophorum,
Solanum adoense,
Solanum adscendens,
Solanum adspersum,
Solanum aethiopicum,
Solanum affine,
Solanum africanum,
Solanum agnewiorum,
Solanum agnoston,
Solanum agrarium,
Solanum agrimoniifolium,
Solanum ajanhuiri,
Solanum alatirameum,
Solanum albescens,
Solanum albicans,
Solanum albidum,
Solanum albornozii,
Solanum albostellatum,
Solanum aldabrense,
Species in the Solanaceae family