Status:
valid
Authors:
Vell.
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1827
Citation Micro:
Fl. Flumin. 85. 1829 [1825]; Fl. Flumin. Icon. 2: t. 108. 1831 [1827].
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001030053
Common Names
- Solanum Odoriferum
- Fragrant Potato
- Odoriferum's Potato
Description
Solanum odoriferum (also called ‘Fragrant nightshade’, among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It has small, white flowers and small, round, green fruits. It grows in dry, sandy soils in desert scrub and grassland habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum odoriferum is used as an ornamental plant, as it produces attractive white flowers. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat fever, headaches, and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Solanum odoriferum is a white, star-shaped flower with yellow anthers. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small, with oval-shaped, dark green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum odoriferum is an evergreen shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 10°C. It can be propagated by cuttings or division.
Where to Find Solanum odoriferum
Solanum odoriferum is native to South America, specifically 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