Status:
valid
Authors:
Bunbury
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1841
Citation Micro:
Proc. Linn. Soc. 1: 110. 1841.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001028229
Common Names
- Solanum graveolens
- Potato Tree
- Bitter Potato
Description
Solanum graveolens (also called Strong-Smelling Nightshade, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree native to tropical regions of the Americas. It has large, dark green leaves and its flowers are white or yellow. It grows in tropical forests, savannas, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum graveolens is used as an ornamental plant and is also known for its edible fruits. It is also used for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever, headaches, and stomachaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Solanum graveolens are white, with five petals and five sepals. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are thin and long, with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum graveolens is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil and kept moist. Cuttings can be taken in spring or summer and rooted in a potting mix. The plants should be grown in full sun and protected from frost.
Where to Find Solanum graveolens
Solanum graveolens can be found in the tropical rainforests of Central 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