Status:
valid
Authors:
Stehmann & Giacomin
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
2015
Citation Micro:
PhytoKeys 47: 30. 2015.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001030636
Common Names
- Solanum psilophyllum
- Hairy Nightshade
- Pale Nightshade
Description
Solanum psilophyllum (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 psilophyllum is used as an ornamental plant, as it produces attractive orange flowers. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat fever, headaches, and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Solanum psilophyllum is white with five petals and yellow anthers. The seed is a small, round, black seed. The seedlings have a single cotyledon and long, slender stems.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum psilophyllum 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 psilophyllum
Solanum psilophyllum is native to Mexico and Central 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