Status:
valid
Authors:
Greenm.
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1903
Citation Micro:
Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 39: 89. 1903.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001030516
Common Names
- Solanum polyadenium
- Pale Nightshade
- Hairy Nightshade
Description
Solanum polyadenium (also called African Nightshade, among many other common names) is a shrub native to tropical Africa. It grows up to 1.5 meters in height and has a woody stem with spines. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, and the flowers are white or purple. It grows in open woodlands, grasslands, and savannas.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum polyadenium is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating fever, cold, cough, and headache.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Solanum polyadenium is a white or pale purple star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, round, black berry. The seedlings are small, green, and have round leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum polyadenium is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. For best results, water regularly and fertilize monthly.
Where to Find Solanum polyadenium
Solanum polyadenium can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of 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