Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. 188. 1753.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001031761
Common Names
- Solanum Tomentosum
- Tomentosum Nightshade
- Tropical Nightshade
Description
Solanum tomentosum (also called Woolly Nightshade, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to Mexico and Central America. It has a sprawling habit, with stems up to 1 m long, and its leaves are ovate to lanceolate, with entire margins. It grows in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum tomentosum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments. It is also used as a food source for livestock and for making jams and jellies.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Solanum tomentosum is a white-petalled star-shaped flower with yellow anthers. The seed is a small, round, black seed. The seedlings are small, dark green, and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum tomentosum is a perennial herb that is native to South America. It can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some frost. It requires regular watering during the growing season and should be fertilized once a month.
Where to Find Solanum tomentosum
Solanum tomentosum is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern 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