Status:
valid
Authors:
Voronts.
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
2010
Citation Micro:
Syst. Bot. 35: 904. 2010
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001029332
Common Names
- Solanum malindiense
- Malindiense Solanum
- Malindiense Potato
Description
Solanum malindiense (also called Malindi nightshade, among many other common names) is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It is native to East Africa and is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate light shade.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum malindiense, commonly known as the wild tomato, is a popular food source. The plant is used to make a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and casseroles. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Solanum malindiense are white and star-shaped, with five pointed petals. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings have a pair of cotyledons that are egg-shaped and slightly hairy.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum malindiense can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and rooted in a moist soil mix. Both methods should be done in a warm, sunny location.
Where to Find Solanum malindiense
Solanum malindiense is native to Africa and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the continent, including Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
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