Status:
valid
Authors:
Spreng.
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1824
Citation Micro:
Syst. Veg., ed. 16 [Sprengel] 1: 682. 1824.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001029006
Common Names
- Lax Nightshade
- Lax Solanum
- Lax Potato
Description
Solanum laxum (also called Spreading Nightshade, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to South America. It has a single stem, reaching up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, and the flowers are white or purple. It grows in open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum laxum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also grown as a ground cover. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and skin diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Solanum laxum is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum laxum is a perennial herb native to South America. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate light frosts.
Where to Find Solanum laxum
Solanum laxum is native to South America, where it is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
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