Status:
valid
Authors:
L.B.Sm. & Downs
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1964
Citation Micro:
Phytologia 10: 430. 1964.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001026895
Common Names
- Solanum Cassioides
- Cassioides Potato
- Wild Potato
Description
Solanum cassioides (also called Cassioides nightshade, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to South America. It has a branched stem, and its leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape. It is found in disturbed areas, grasslands, and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum cassioides is used as a food source and also for medicinal purposes. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and can be used to make a tea that can help with digestive issues.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Solanum cassioides is a white or pink star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a black berry containing several seeds. The seedlings are small, with oval-shaped leaves and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum cassioides is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It is not tolerant of drought or wet soils. The seed should be sown in spring or early summer and can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Division should be done in early spring or fall. The plants can be divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Where to Find Solanum cassioides
Solanum cassioides can be found in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
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