Status:
valid
Authors:
Bitter
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1912
Citation Micro:
Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 10: 550. 1912.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001030529
Common Names
- Solanum polytrichostylum
- Hairy Nightshade
- Pale Nightshade
Description
Solanum polytrichostylum (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 polytrichostylum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, cold, cough, and headache.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Solanum polytrichostylum has small, white, star-shaped flowers with five petals. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings have a reddish-brown bark.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum polytrichostylum is a perennial herbaceous plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers well-drained, moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of heat and humidity and can tolerate some drought. It is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10.
Where to Find Solanum polytrichostylum
Solanum polytrichostylum 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